549 Results with the "Novel" genre


    • Part II: The Guest Chapter 7 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Elise begins her day in quiet reflection, noticing the stillness around her and the presence of two mourning doves at her window. Her morning routine is simple yet deliberate as she prepares for work, moving through the guest house where signs of the previous night's activity linger. She finds Sophie and Sheba asleep, reminders of the transient and unsettled nature of their current lives. Despite the calm appearance, Elise is aware of the underlying tension and the need to maintain normalcy amid…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 1 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter opens with Elise caught in a seemingly endless line of cars waiting for full-service gas at a small station near the island's main supermarket. Despite an empty self-service station nearby, drivers cling to the traditional service, highlighting a subtle tension between convenience and habit. Elise's reflections on the traffic evoke the philosophical Ship of Theseus paradox, as she contemplates whether the line remains the same when all original cars are replaced. This moment of quiet…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 2 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In this chapter, Sheba invites Elise and Sophie to the main house for dinner, citing the superior sound system, cozier couches, and better pantry selection as reasons to gather there instead of the guest house. Sophie, relieved from her dinner shift, agrees to join, while Elise, delayed by lack of service, arrives later to find the two already cooking cacio e pepe together. The atmosphere is warm and intimate, marked by matching aprons, jazz music, and thoughtful table settings, which elicit a sense of…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 3 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin The chapter begins by illustrating the gradual and natural transition of the characters Sophie, Elise, and Sheba from the guest house into the main house. This shift unfolds effortlessly, like water spreading across a surface, highlighted by a shared morning after a night out, where they gather over simple food and sparkling Perrier. Their day inside, wrapped in comfort and watching a poignant film, symbolizes a new phase of connection and domestic intimacy. The narrative emphasizes the significance of…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 4 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In Chapter 4 of Part III: The Main House, Gilda informs Elise about the ambiguous response from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services regarding their request tied to Sophie’s immigration status. The agency requires more evidence to prove Sophie’s dependency on Gilda, despite Sophie’s strong-willed independence. This bureaucratic demand forces Gilda and Elise to confront the difficult question of how a mother can formally demonstrate the necessity of her presence in her child's life.…
    • Part III: The Main House Chapter 5 Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin In the summer following Sophie’s eleventh birthday, an early appearance of phosphorescence in the island’s waters sparked curiosity. Elise overheard teenagers describing their experience of seeing glowing green lights while swimming at night, attributing it to phosphorescent jellyfish. Intrigued by this phenomenon, Elise shared the story with Sophie, and together they researched the sea creatures responsible for the bioluminescent display. Their search revealed a variety of luminous marine organisms,…
    • 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…
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