The Last Summer

The events take place in the last days of summer as Luke and his friends prepare for middle school. A mysterious time loop repeats a single day, forcing him to relive the carnival, the show, and increasingly his interactions with peers. The cycle persists for weeks to months, creating a crucible for growth before the new school year begins.

The story unfolds around multiple physical settings: the carnival where Steel Monkey is scheduled to perform, the skate park that becomes Luke's testing ground, the tent where the band sleeps, and the park and school that frame the transition back to everyday life. These places anchor Luke's loop and social dynamics, from stage fright and first crush to bullying and friendship. The settings shift in emphasis as Luke learns to act with courage and empathy across repeated days.

🌀 Time Loop

Luke's day resets over and over after the carnival accident, turning a single afternoon into an endless sequence. He uses each repetition to test kindness, confront bullying, and attempt to reshape outcomes. The loop pushes him to notice consequences of his choices and to grow beyond self-centered wishes.

🤝 Bullying and Empathy

Meat's aggression forces Luke to confront fear and find alternatives to confrontation. Through repeated encounters, Luke tries to understand Meat's home life and to choose empathy over retaliation. The theme shows how small acts of understanding can defuse hostility and improve others' behavior.

🧭 Friendship and Self-Discovery

Luke discovers that chasing status with The Pound isn’t the same as true friendship. The loop pressures him to define what matters: honesty with friends, respect for teachers, and authentic passions. By the end he seeks genuine connections and steps toward a more confident, kinder version of himself.