822 Results with the "Fiction" genre


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      Chapter 18

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the protagonist returning home to find her family unchanged, except for a pizza box in the fridge. Her child, Sam, excitedly shares details of a sleepover, while her husband, Harris, inquires about her day. The protagonist reflects on her recent sexual encounter, framing it as a necessary escape rather than a romantic pursuit. She feels no guilt, instead embracing the experience as a lifeline. The domestic scene contrasts sharply with her internal turmoil, hinting at the growing…
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      Chapter 19

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a strained domestic scene between the narrator and her husband, Harris, as they go through the motions of their routine with cold politeness. Their once-familiar interactions now feel hollow, and Harris announces he will spend one night a week in his office, mirroring the narrator’s own behavior. The tension between them is palpable, particularly when Harris notices her new belt, hinting at unspoken conflicts. Their conversation about scheduling feels more like a negotiation…
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      Chapter 20

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the narrator reflecting on a two-week stalemate in her marriage after a devastating argument. Unlike past fights, this rift feels irreparable, as she likely meant the hurtful things she said. Her husband, Harris, avoids eye contact, and their tense environment worries her for their child’s well-being. She feels trapped between the suffocating familiarity of her marriage and the daunting prospect of starting over as a divorced mother. The narrator’s internal conflict is palpable…
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      Chapter 21

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the narrator caring for their child while Harris announces a brunch to celebrate Caro's new single. The narrator questions Harris's priorities, wondering if this event hints at his affair with Caro or is merely a public display. Their strained relationship is evident as Harris expresses frustration, wishing for a partner who genuinely wants to be present. The narrator reflects on their own emotional distance, imagining a more domestic, content version of herself that Harris might…
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      Chapter 22

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with a conversation between the narrator and Tim Yoon, who mentions his daughter's recent wedding. The narrator reveals they no longer need help with license plates, having solved the mystery of a telephotographer and a real estate card. The discussion shifts to Brian, a former neighbor who connected them, and the shocking revelation that Brian has died from kidney failure—not in the line of duty as assumed. This news adds a layer of melancholy, especially as the narrator reflects on…
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      Chapter 8

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the narrator arriving early for a meeting, carefully dressed in a low-key but flattering outfit. She spots Davey waiting outside, looking freshly showered and dressed in a skater-style button-down shirt. Their encounter is interrupted by a young couple Davey knows, and the narrator feels awkward as they join the group. The woman in the couple, with long hair and a revealing outfit, seems to judge the narrator’s attire, adding to her discomfort. The group heads inside, where the…
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      Chapter 9

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the narrator waiting at a Hertz rental office, observing Davey interact with customers while feeling possessive and unsettled by his attentiveness to others. Her internal monologue reveals a tension between her professional stature and her current fixation on Davey, which overshadows her sense of self. A gray-haired woman seated beside her cryptically comments on her admiration for Davey’s physique, leading to an awkward exchange. The narrator’s discomfort escalates as the woman,…
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      Chapter 10

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the narrator traveling from Pennsylvania to Indiana, reflecting on her journey while anticipating a day with Davey, her lover. They drive into the hills, a secluded spot they hadn’t visited since before an earlier encounter referred to as "the Buccaneer." The setting is idyllic—a sunlit field dotted with tiny flowers—but the ground is uncomfortably prickly, prompting Davey to fetch makeshift bedding. As he returns, the narrator stretches toward the sky, and they share a moment…
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      Chapter 11

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      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with an intimate conversation between the narrator and Davey, who shares a vivid sex dream about Aaron Bannister, a kind-hearted boy from his high school. Davey describes the dream with surprising openness, including explicit details, which contrasts with the narrator’s past experiences with older men who avoided admitting to such fantasies. The narrator reflects on generational differences, noting how Davey’s comfort with discussing gay eroticism highlights a cultural shift. Their…
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      Chapter 12

      Chapter 12 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with the protagonist driving home after an extended absence, consumed by anxiety about reintegrating into her domestic life. She obsesses over trivial details like the car's cleanliness and fabricates a neck injury to explain her strained demeanor. Her internal monologue reveals she’s been hiding a secret affair with a Hertz employee instead of traveling to New York as claimed. The familiarity of her neighborhood feels surreal, and a brief interaction with her neighbor Ken highlights…
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