1. Past Family Trauma: The story revolves around the protagonist Haven's family and their emotional struggles, particularly her mother Carly's past trauma and alcohol addiction. As more details are revealed about the past, tensions arise within the family.
2. Meeting Quinn: Haven meets her neighbor Quinn, a charming and seemingly carefree artist. Their growing connection brings newfound excitement and freedom into Haven's life, but underlying issues threaten to complicate their relationship.
3. Discovering Her Mother's Secret: Haven stumbles upon her mother's hidden cache of alcohol, causing her to confront the reality of Carly's addiction. The truth unravels, revealing secrets that further strain their mother-daughter relationship.
4. Growing Conflict with Taylor: Haven's friendship with Taylor becomes strained as Taylor deals with her own insecurities and challenges, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts between the two friends.
5. Quinn's Personal Turmoil: Quinn reveals that he is a recovering drug addict, and the revelation brings new dimensions to their relationship. Haven tries to support him, but their shared struggles test the strength of their bond.
6. Family Intervention: Concerned about their mother's addiction and dysfunctional dynamics, Haven and her siblings decide to stage an intervention to get Carly the help she needs. The tension escalates as they confront their mother and attempt to address the underlying issues within the family.
These events and conflicts create the rising action of "That Summer," building towards the climax and resolution of the story. As Haven navigates her tumultuous family dynamics, blossoming romance, and personal growth, the rising action sets the stage for important choices and transformative moments that shape the characters and their relationships.