Gods & Monsters
The Green Ribbon
by Mahurin, ShelbyLou and Coco enter a curtained room in Le Présage, where a golden tub filled with steaming water awaits. Coco undresses casually, unconcerned about Reid, who remains unconscious. Lou, though worried, tries to downplay her anxiety, using humor to mask her fear. She attempts to wake Reid by submerging his hand in a bowl of water, despite Coco’s skepticism about the method. The tension between Lou’s determination and Coco’s doubt highlights their dynamic as they navigate the uncertainty of Reid’s condition.
Coco bathes in the tub, scrubbing herself with sea salt, while Lou continues her efforts to rouse Reid. Their banter reveals Lou’s resolve to overcome her lifelong habit of fear, a promise she made to herself after a recent ordeal. Coco teases Lou about Reid’s potential reaction upon waking, lightening the mood. The arrival of maids with fresh water and luxurious amenities shifts the scene, offering a momentary respite as Coco is pampered with perfumed oils and a silk robe, a rare indulgence for both women.
Lou takes her turn in the tub, relishing the scalding water and the chance to cleanse herself physically and emotionally. Reid’s continued unconsciousness lingers as a concern, but Lou’s playful defiance keeps the atmosphere from becoming too heavy. The sudden appearance of Célie interrupts their solitude, causing a brief panic as Lou and Coco realize their lack of familiarity with her. Despite their awkwardness, Célie’s gesture of bringing ginger tea for Coco’s stomach pains bridges the gap, hinting at the potential for deeper connections among the group.
The chapter closes with a blend of humor and vulnerability as Lou, still naked, interacts with Célie, who blushes at the situation. Coco’s teasing and Lou’s flustered reaction underscore the camaraderie developing between them. The scene captures a moment of respite amid their larger struggles, emphasizing themes of trust, healing, and the tentative steps toward friendship. The chapter balances tension with levity, leaving Reid’s fate unresolved but hinting at hope for his recovery.
FAQs
1. How does Lou demonstrate her changing attitude toward fear in this chapter?
Answer:
Lou shows significant character development regarding her relationship with fear. While she acknowledges she’s “spent the entirety of [her] life worried,” she makes a conscious decision to change this pattern after leaving Ansel in the waters. She states firmly, “I wouldn’t allow fear to control me for another moment,” demonstrating her newfound resolve. This transformation is evident in her playful, almost reckless behavior with Reid’s unconscious state—testing if he’ll wet himself—which contrasts with her previously anxious personality. Her dark humor (“Dare I say he’ll be… pissed?”) and willingness to take action rather than worry show her evolving approach to stressful situations.2. What does the bathing scene reveal about the relationship dynamics between Lou, Coco, and Célie?
Answer:
The bathing scene highlights both intimacy and tension in their relationships. Lou and Coco share an easy, bantering camaraderie—seen when Coco teases Lou about Reid potentially waking furious and Lou’s sea salt retaliation. Their nonverbal communication (mouthing words, exchanging looks) shows deep familiarity. However, both freeze when Célie arrives, revealing an unspoken awkwardness. Though they risked their lives for Célie, Lou notes they “hadn’t bonded” outside crisis situations. Célie’s timid entrance and blush contrast with the others’ comfort with nudity, emphasizing their social distance despite their shared history.3. Analyze how the author uses sensory details to create atmosphere in the palace setting.
Answer:
The author builds a vivid, slightly decayed atmosphere through rich sensory details. Tactile elements dominate: the “scalding” bathwater, “gritty” sea salt, and “musty” walls create physical immediacy. Visual decay appears in the “mildewed” chair and “decomposed” silk screen now woven with seaweed, suggesting both luxury and ruin. Thermal contrasts—between the cold unconscious Reid and steaming bath—heighten tension. Auditory touches like Coco’s “cackle” and the “splat” of sea salt add liveliness. These details collectively paint Le Présage as a place where opulence persists despite time’s erosion, mirroring the characters’ own worn-but-enduring states.4. What symbolic significance might Reid’s unconscious state hold in this chapter?
Answer:
Reid’s prolonged unconsciousness serves multiple symbolic purposes. Physically inert yet central to Lou’s attention, he represents unresolved tensions—both magical (his condition puzzles them) and emotional (Lou’s worry manifests as dark humor). His vulnerability contrasts with his usual assertive personality, allowing exploration of care dynamics. The bowl test becomes a metaphor for Lou’s impatience with passive waiting, reflecting her broader character arc. His potential to wake “furious” hints at future conflicts, while Lou’s insistence “he’ll be fine” shows protective denial. The scene ultimately questions what truly constitutes consciousness and readiness in both magical and emotional realms.5. How does the chapter use humor to balance its darker themes?
Answer:
Dark humor provides crucial levity amid serious circumstances. Lou’s prank with the water bowl—watching Reid’s pants to see if he’ll wet himself—turns medical anxiety into absurdity. Their pun about him being “pissed” (both angry and literally) diffuses tension about his condition. Coco’s deadpan “That was terrible” and Lou’s proud retort showcase their coping mechanism through wit. This humor makes their trauma more bearable while revealing character—Lou’s joke masks real concern, shown when she checks his breathing. The comedy also bonds them, contrasting with their stiffness around Célie, demonstrating how shared laughter builds intimacy in adversity.
Quotes
1. “I’ve spent the entirety of my life worried, Coco. Nothing has changed. Except it had. Everything had. I’d made a promise to Ansel—to myself—when I’d left him in those waters. I wouldn’t allow fear to control me for another moment. No. Not even for another second.”
This quote marks a pivotal moment of character growth for Lou, as she reflects on her lifelong anxiety and resolves to break free from fear’s grip. It represents the chapter’s theme of personal transformation and resilience.
2. “‘She said he would wake when he’s ready.’ ‘And? Perhaps he’s ready.’”
This exchange highlights Lou’s stubborn optimism and determination to help Reid recover, contrasting with Coco’s more cautious approach. It captures the tension between patience and action that runs through the chapter.
3. “‘He’ll be furious when he wakes.’ When he wakes. I arched a devilish brow. ‘Dare I say he’ll be… pissed?’”
This playful banter reveals Lou’s dark humor and the deep camaraderie between the characters. The emphasis on “when” rather than “if” shows their shared belief in Reid’s recovery despite the dire circumstances.
4. “‘I expected you to be more worried about this.’ ‘I’ve spent the entirety of my life worried, Coco. Nothing has changed.’”
This exchange perfectly encapsulates Lou’s character arc - her acknowledgment of her anxious nature while simultaneously demonstrating how she’s beginning to overcome it. The contradiction between her words and actions shows her growth.