240 Results in the "Novel" category


    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 6 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Elise visits a local farm market after a month-long absence from the grocery store, seeking a simple connection to normal life amid her personal struggles. The familiar sights and sounds evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet she wanders the aisles aimlessly, trying to delay returning home and confronting unresolved tensions with Sophie. Her distraction is interrupted when Mrs. Wagner calls out to her, leading to a delicate and emotional exchange about Mrs. Wagner’s dog, Suzie, who has recently…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 7 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a vivid description of the main house’s backyard, centered around a pristine infinity pool adorned by a floating inflatable swan. Helen, the absent homeowner, typically removes the swan, but in her absence, Sheba allows it to remain, enjoying the carefully maintained pool environment. A pool technician regularly attends to the water’s condition, ensuring it is perfect by morning when Sheba swims laps, dressed in athletic gear and following a routine that includes an iced…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 8 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin At dawn, newly hatched birds break free from their shells, signaling a moment of renewal and hope. Elise discovers the hatchlings nestled in seaweed, their fragile forms exploring their environment with tentative curiosity. Observing them through binoculars, she is captivated by their delicate movements and spirited chirping. When Steve arrives, their shared excitement over the birds’ successful breeding reflects a deep connection to the natural world. Their playful banter and Steve’s offer of…
    • Part I: Home Chapter 5 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 5 of Part I: Home, the narrative centers around Elise and Sophie navigating the emotional and social complexities of Sophie’s high school graduation day. Amidst a crowded hallway filled with graduates in blue caps and gowns, Elise finds Sophie withdrawn and hesitant about joining the after-party. Despite encouragement from the Wagners, who have been quietly supportive throughout, Sophie’s ambivalence underscores the bittersweet nature of the occasion. A brief video call with their friend…
    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a vivid description of a summer morning on Nantucket, setting the scene with wooden boats approaching the shore and locals enjoying the lively atmosphere. The island’s seasonal shift is palpable through the bustling ferry schedule, crowded streets, and the return of familiar summer merchandise in shops. This introduction establishes a backdrop of renewal and anticipation, underscoring the island’s cyclical rhythm and the sense of community that defines it during the warmer…
    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the quiet early hours, Elise awakens to unsettling noises downstairs, suspecting an intruder in her home. Despite her initial fear, she cautiously descends the stairs armed with a nail file, only to find Sheba, her disoriented friend, sitting on the floor eating yogurt. Sheba’s confused state, likely caused by Ambien, contrasts sharply with the tension Elise feels. As Elise tends to Sheba, guiding her back to bed and calming her, the two share a moment of vulnerable intimacy, highlighting the…
    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 3 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Elise observes Helen and Holly from the guest house, noting their tense and deliberate interactions in the driveway. Helen appears stern and preoccupied, while Holly responds with casual gestures and a laid-back demeanor. Their conversation reveals a delay or postponement until Monday, suggesting unresolved matters that require patience. Meanwhile, Sheba arrives, tired and disoriented, and quickly assesses the atmosphere, warning Elise that their mothers are overwhelmed and not interested…
    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 4 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Elise is depicted in the attic on a sweltering day, observing robins outside while grappling with the oppressive heat that has settled over the island. Despite the discomfort, she resists using a noisy fan and worries about the rising electricity bill if she installs air conditioning. The narrative conveys a sense of domestic tension and responsibility as Elise receives a call from her mother, Gilda, who reminds her about submitting social security numbers necessary for an important…
    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 5 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Elise enters the main house for the first time on the day of a fundraising event, uncertain of where to go or what to expect. The house’s sleek, modern décor contrasts with her unfamiliarity and discomfort as she navigates through the foyer, dining room, and a pristine kitchen where servers prepare for the event. She notices details like cream pillows in the kitchen, reflecting her sense of dissonance and apprehension about the upscale environment she is about to work in. This initial exploration sets…
    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 6 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Elise sensing an unusual tension as Steve unexpectedly arrives by dinghy, signaling an emergency involving Sophie. The normally carefree atmosphere of the estuary contrasts sharply with Elise’s growing anxiety. Upon learning that Sophie has been arrested following an altercation with a construction worker during an eviction attempt, Elise’s concern deepens. The urgency of the situation unfolds as Steve contacts his brother Randy at the police station to gather details, revealing…
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