• Chapter

      Chapter 37

      Chapter 37 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 37 begins on a cold Saturday morning at 6:45 A.M., with the narrator standing beside a frosty field, preparing to interview hunters dressed in camouflage and armed with loaded guns. The temperature is a brisk 34 degrees, and as the chill bites at their skin, they reflect on the series of decisions that led them to this moment. The interview is crucial for their crow column, which was sparked by an inquiry to Dr. Cornell, a bird expert. Dr. Cornell explains that another town had made unsuccessful…
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      Chapter 33

      Chapter 33 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 33 delves deeply into the enduring impact of words, particularly those spoken in moments of anger or malice. The narrative focuses on how certain words can resonate far beyond the moment they are spoken, leaving emotional scars that last long after the initial hurt. Words like "ice queen" are described as carrying an invisible weight, creating a burden that lingers with the person being insulted. This metaphor suggests a sense of being tethered, unable to fully move on or escape the sting of the…
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      Chapter 34

      Chapter 34 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 34 opens with the narrator hastily descending the stairs, deliberately avoiding the sight of the recently repaired window. Instead, their attention is diverted to the coffee table, where the vase has been placed back at its center, provoking a complex swirl of emotions. They instinctively reach for the vase and head outside to discard it in the garbage bin, feeling the rain drench them as they bury the broken vase in the bag that holds its shattered pieces from the previous night. This simple…
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      Chapter 30

      Chapter 30 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 30 begins by presenting a snapshot of the narrator's life, where normalcy is interwoven with the challenges she faces. After her father falls asleep, Leighton, along with her friend Sofia, heads to the mall for a much-needed distraction and some fun. The girls are on a mission to find the perfect dresses for an upcoming eighties-themed dance, where neon colors are in full swing. While Sofia slips into each dress with ease, Leighton finds herself struggling to feel comfortable in the bold colors…
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      Chapter 31

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 31 unfolds as a brief moment of peace, offering a welcome respite from the usual chaos that engulfs life. Saturday night is spent in quiet harmony, with the girls immersed in their reading, while I struggle with the complexities of Portrait of an Old Crow. This rare calm provides a fleeting sense of normalcy, and I savor the tranquility that fills our home. After enduring a life filled with constant turmoil, experiencing a little boredom is nothing short of magnificent. The stillness in the air is…
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      Chapter 32

      Chapter 32 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 32 begins with Leighton abruptly waking up to the sound of a door slamming against the wall, followed by the harsh voice of a man in her home. Her dream of lightning splitting the tree in their front yard is shattered by this sudden, jarring disruption, dragging her from a peaceful slumber into the chaos that defines her reality. The man’s voice, harsh and commanding, insists that the household chores need to be corrected immediately, disrupting her younger sisters, Juniper and Campbell, and…
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      Chapter 28

      Chapter 28 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 28 opens with the protagonist being gently awakened by the inviting aroma of coffee. Her mother is standing by her bedside, holding two mugs, offering a rare and peaceful moment to start the day. Despite the early hour, their conversation flows with ease as they chat about the protagonist’s college choices, especially New York University, a school she is eager to attend, even though it goes against her father’s wishes. The warmth of the moment underscores the mother-daughter connection, as the…
    • December 31, 2024 — 7:06 am Thumbnail
    • Recommendation

      Worldly Ways and Byways

      Worldly Ways and Byways Thumbnail
      by Eliot Gregory — "Worldly ways and byways" refers to the diverse and intricate paths of human behavior, culture, and experience as they navigate life’s complexities.
    • CHAPTER 40 — Introspection Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Introspection," the final chapter of "Worldly Ways and Byways," the theme revolves around self-reflection, particularly as one year ends and a new one begins. The narrative underscores the natural human inclination to look back on the past, to introspect, and to prepare mentally for future journeys. It draws a poignant analogy between our minds and a grand, but largely unoccupied residence, suggesting that we typically inhabit only a small portion of our vast internal spaces. We populate these familiar…
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