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      Chapter 36

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 36 begins with the narrator reflecting on the difficult and often strained relationship they have with Campbell, characterized by frequent emotional tension and a lack of open communication. One significant aspect of their interactions is Campbell’s tendency to demand complete silence when he is upset, a habit that only increases the distance between them. The narrator has, over time, developed a subtle skill for provoking Campbell’s anger, often finding the perfect words to escalate his mild…
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      Chapter 35

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 35 opens with Leighton feeling emotionally overwhelmed after a disturbing encounter with her father the previous night. Seeking solace, she hurries to Liam’s car, rain pouring down around her, adding to the weight of her distress. As she settles into the car, Liam greets her casually with a “Good morning, beautiful,” a simple phrase that triggers a flood of tears. Despite her best efforts to keep her emotions in check, the pain that has been building up inside her bursts free, leaving her…
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      Chapter 34

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      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 33

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      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 32

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      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 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 30

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      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 3

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 3 of If These Wings Could Fly opens with Leighton reflecting on the end of summer, a season that typically brings a sense of freedom for many, but not for her. While others embrace the end of the long break, she faces a different reality. Returning to Auburn High, she finds comfort in the return to routine and structure, something that provides a sense of normalcy in her otherwise chaotic life. The predictability of school offers her a brief escape from the challenges she faces at home. As Leighton…
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      Chapter 29

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter 29 centers on the newfound excitement in the Auburn Wolves' community as the team celebrates an undefeated season for the first time in nearly two decades. The protagonist’s friend, Sofia, who is a reporter, is eager to interview the protagonist’s father about the team's achievements. This leads the protagonist to accompany Liam’s family to a game, where the shift from their quiet, music-filled car ride to the vibrant celebration after the Wolves’ victory highlights the immense energy and…
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      Chapter 28

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      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…
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