If These Wings Could Fly
Chapter Forty-Two
by McCauley, KyrieThe chapter opens with a serene winter morning where the protagonist wakes to a sunlit room reflecting the freshly fallen snow. The quietness of the house is comforting, and the usual presence of crows around the yard is notably absent, signaling a peaceful moment before the day’s activity begins. The narrator carefully navigates the house to avoid waking her younger sisters, Campbell and Juniper, highlighting a tender family dynamic. The arrival of their mother in the kitchen adds to the calm atmosphere, symbolizing stability and warmth amidst the cold outside.
As the morning unfolds, the playful energy of Juniper contrasts with Campbell’s sleepiness, illustrating the unique personalities within the family. The narrator’s effort to prepare for the day includes a trip to the attic to retrieve winter clothes, where she unexpectedly discovers a box of her mother’s high school memorabilia. Among the nostalgic items, a literary magazine edited by her mother reveals a previously unknown side of her, showcasing her poetic talents and creative past. This discovery deepens the narrator’s appreciation for her mother and creates a meaningful connection between generations.
The chapter also touches on the theme of familial support and growing relationships, as the protagonist thoughtfully leaves a note encouraging her mother’s creative expression. The warmth of the kitchen scene, filled with laughter and preparations for the day, reflects the strong bonds and shared moments that define their family life. The protagonist’s interaction with her mother about inviting Liam over signifies a step forward in her personal life, indicating trust and the blending of family and romantic relationships.
Finally, the conversation between the protagonist and Liam reveals a lighthearted and affectionate dynamic, filled with teasing and genuine care. Their playful exchange about snowball fights and the protagonist’s smile conveys the happiness and comfort she finds in this connection. The chapter closes on a hopeful note, emphasizing themes of love, family, and the joy found in everyday moments during a snowy winter day.
FAQs
1. How does the author use the imagery of snow and crows at the beginning of the chapter to set the tone and atmosphere?
Answer:
The imagery of snow and crows establishes a serene yet slightly unusual atmosphere at the start of the chapter. The snow is described as “crisp and clean,” reflecting perfection and purity, which contrasts with the usual presence of crows that typically fill the yard and trees. The absence of crows from the narrator’s yard, while they are active across the street, emphasizes an unusual calm and peacefulness in the narrator’s home environment. This imagery sets a tone of quiet and calm that feels both welcome and fragile, hinting at a moment of tranquility before the inevitable playful disruption brought on by Juniper Mae.2. What does the discovery of Mom’s high school literary magazine and poems reveal about her character and the narrator’s relationship with her?
Answer:
The discovery of Mom’s literary magazine and poems reveals a previously unknown creative side of her character, highlighting her past passion for poetry and writing. This discovery deepens the narrator’s understanding and appreciation of her mother, showing that Mom has a rich inner life and talents beyond what the narrator had realized. It also suggests a growing intimacy and connection between them, as the narrator takes the time to explore and cherish this part of Mom’s history by keeping the magazine and leaving an encouraging note. This moment symbolizes a strengthening bond and mutual respect within their relationship.3. How does the interaction between the narrator and Liam reflect the narrator’s emotional state and relationship dynamics?
Answer:
The playful and warm interaction between the narrator and Liam reflects a sense of comfort, happiness, and growing closeness. Liam’s teasing about meeting the family and his ability to hear happiness in the narrator’s voice show a deep familiarity and affection. The narrator’s willingness to engage in light-hearted banter and the admission of smiling despite pretending otherwise reveal a vulnerability and openness in the relationship. This exchange highlights the narrator’s emotional shift toward joy and connection, contrasting with any previous tension or uncertainty, and underscores Liam’s supportive role.4. In what ways does the chapter illustrate the theme of family and togetherness?
Answer:
The chapter illustrates family and togetherness through several intimate moments: waking up together under a quilt, the narrator’s careful movements to avoid waking the girls, shared breakfast preparations, and playful anticipation of a snowball fight. The presence of Mom, Campbell, and Juniper creates a warm, domestic atmosphere where simple acts like sharing tea and laughter signify emotional closeness. The narrator’s acceptance of Liam into the family circle further emphasizes inclusivity and growing bonds. These interactions collectively portray family as a source of comfort, joy, and support.5. What role does the setting (the snowy morning, the attic, the kitchen) play in advancing the chapter’s narrative and emotional tone?
Answer:
The setting plays a crucial role in shaping the chapter’s narrative and emotional tone. The snowy morning outside symbolizes a fresh start and a peaceful moment, while the attic—cold and dusty—serves as a physical and metaphorical space for discovery and reflection when the narrator finds Mom’s old poems. The kitchen, warm and filled with laughter and tea steam, contrasts with the attic’s chill and represents comfort, nurturing, and familial love. These settings together create a layered emotional landscape that moves from quiet introspection to joyful togetherness, advancing the narrative’s focus on connection, memory, and happiness.
Quotes
1. “Mom is in the kitchen holding a cup of tea, standing at the sink. Steam rises off the mug and forms a little cloud around and above her. She looks calm and collected, and the moment I see her, I know it’s going to be a good day. Mom is here. Really here.”
This quote captures a pivotal moment of comfort and presence, highlighting the reassuring impact of the mother’s calmness on the narrator’s sense of well-being. It sets a tone of warmth and stability early in the chapter.
2. “The next book has a soft cover and is decorated in a collage of art and drawings. Amethyst. It’s Auburn High School’s literary magazine, but from twenty years ago. I open it to the credits page. Editor in Chief: Erin Davis. Mom.”
This passage reveals a meaningful discovery about the mother’s past, adding depth to her character and connecting the narrator to her through shared appreciation of creativity and poetry. It marks a moment of reflection and connection across generations.
3. “I stick the note to the magazine and tuck it into the notebook.”
This brief but symbolic action represents encouragement and recognition, bridging past and present creative expressions. It conveys support and the desire to nurture artistic growth.
4. “The truth is that I like that he can hear it in my voice: my happiness. I like that he’s the kind of person that cares to listen for it.”
This quote reveals the narrator’s emotional openness and the value placed on being truly heard and understood by another, underscoring themes of connection and intimacy in relationships. It serves as a tender conclusion to the chapter’s interactions.