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    If These Wings Could Fly

    by McCauley, Kyrie
    If These Wings Could Fly by Kyrie McCauley is a lyrical young adult novel that explores the complexities of family violence through the story of seventeen-year-old Leighton. As she starts her senior year, Leighton struggles to protect her two younger sisters while coping with her father’s ongoing abusive behavior. The narrative incorporates elements of magical realism, using the presence of thousands of crows to underscore themes of trauma, resilience, and hope.
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    If These Wings Could Fly

    Chapter Seventy

    by McCauley, Kyrie

    The chap­ter opens with an imme­di­ate sen­so­ry detail—the smell of smoke—creating an atmos­phere of ten­sion and con­fu­sion. Despite the pres­ence of gun­fire and fire­works, the pro­tag­o­nist, Leighton, notices the unusu­al smell, which hints at dan­ger beyond the expect­ed chaos. The set­ting is a noisy town where such sounds blend into the back­ground, yet the protagonist’s acute aware­ness dis­tin­guish­es this moment as sig­nif­i­cant. The scene quick­ly becomes inti­mate and urgent as Leighton is pushed back against the stairs, with his moth­er anx­ious­ly check­ing if he is injured, high­light­ing the per­son­al stakes amid the exter­nal tur­moil.

    The nar­ra­tive then shifts focus to the dam­aged envi­ron­ment, describ­ing a wall wound­ed by gun­fire and metaphor­i­cal­ly bleed­ing, empha­siz­ing the vio­lence that has invad­ed their home. While a man near­by reacts with pan­ic, des­per­ate­ly search­ing for keys, he neglects the phys­i­cal dam­age around him, under­scor­ing a sense of dis­ar­ray and des­per­a­tion. This jux­ta­po­si­tion between the phys­i­cal harm to the house and the fran­tic human response builds a lay­ered ten­sion, illus­trat­ing how the char­ac­ters are caught between pro­tect­ing them­selves and man­ag­ing the imme­di­ate cri­sis.

    A strik­ing moment occurs with the arrival of Joe, a crow that enters through an open win­dow. Joe’s pres­ence car­ries sym­bol­ic weight, rem­i­nis­cent of the Mor­ri­g­an, a fig­ure asso­ci­at­ed with fate and prophe­cy. The crow’s actions—knocking over a vase and reveal­ing hid­den objects includ­ing keys—introduce a glim­mer of hope and guid­ance amid chaos. The scat­tered tokens left for Juniper, includ­ing pen­nies and paper clips, add a lay­er of per­son­al his­to­ry and emo­tion­al depth, con­nect­ing the char­ac­ters to past events and rela­tion­ships. This scene bal­ances the threat­en­ing atmos­phere with a moment of clar­i­ty and rev­e­la­tion.

    The chap­ter con­cludes with Joe seiz­ing the keys and fly­ing away, sig­ni­fy­ing a turn­ing point. The keys, hid­den and then revealed, rep­re­sent poten­tial escape or res­o­lu­tion, while the crow’s depar­ture sug­gests a call to action or a shift in fate. The fire­works illu­mi­nat­ing the scene fur­ther enhance this moment of illu­mi­na­tion, both lit­er­al and metaphor­i­cal. Over­all, the chap­ter mas­ter­ful­ly blends ele­ments of dan­ger, sym­bol­ism, and emo­tion­al res­o­nance, set­ting the stage for what lies ahead while main­tain­ing a vivid and immer­sive nar­ra­tive style.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What is the initial sensory detail that the narrator notices, and why is it significant in the context of the scene?

      Answer:
      The narrator first notices the smell of smoke, which is significant because it seems out of place—“Guns don’t start fires.” This detail sets a tense and confusing atmosphere, indicating that something dangerous or unexpected is happening. The smell of smoke juxtaposed with gunfire hints at chaos and potential danger beyond just a shooting, foreshadowing that the situation is more complex and threatening than it initially appears.

      2. How does the author use the imagery of the “wounded” wall to convey the situation’s urgency and emotional tone?

      Answer:
      The wall described as “wounded” and “bleeding” personifies the house, making the damage feel alive and urgent. This metaphor deepens the emotional impact, emphasizing vulnerability and harm in the environment, not just physical damage. The narrator’s thought that “Someone needs to help it” reflects a desire for protection and healing, mirroring the personal danger and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. It also heightens the tension, as the damage is tangible and immediate.

      3. Analyze the symbolic role of Joe, the crow, in this scene. How does his behavior contribute to the narrative?

      Answer:
      Joe, the crow, symbolizes a messenger or guide, reminiscent of the Morrigan, a figure associated with fate and prophecy. His sudden entrance and interaction with the environment—knocking over the vase to reveal hidden keys—serve as a pivotal plot device, providing the characters with a means to escape or act. Joe’s actions suggest a connection between the natural world and the unfolding human drama, adding a mystical or fateful layer to the narrative. His presence shifts the scene from chaos toward potential resolution.

      4. What is the significance of the keys being hidden among “little blue marbles,” pennies, and paper clips, described as “the gifts left for Juniper”?

      Answer:
      The keys hidden among small, personal objects described as “gifts left for Juniper” imply a deeper emotional or symbolic meaning. These items likely represent memories, tokens of care, or remnants of someone important, suggesting Juniper’s presence and influence even in moments of crisis. The keys’ concealment here indicates careful planning or protection, highlighting themes of trust and preparedness. This detail enriches the narrative by connecting the characters’ immediate danger with their relationships and past experiences.

      5. Considering the chaotic environment with gunfire and fireworks, how does the author use sensory details to create a vivid and immersive scene?

      Answer:
      The author employs auditory details like “Boom!” and “Crack!” to simulate the loud, unsettling sounds of fireworks and gunfire, immersing the reader in the scene’s intensity. The scent of smoke adds a tactile layer, while visual elements—such as the shattered vase and rolling marbles illuminated by moonlight—create a vivid picture of disorder and urgency. These sensory details combine to evoke tension and realism, making the reader feel present in the chaotic moment and emphasizing the danger and emotional stakes faced by the characters.

    Quotes

    • 1. “THE FIRST THING I NOTICE IS the smell of smoke. Which doesn’t make any sense. Guns don’t start fires.”

      This opening line sets a tense and mysterious tone for the chapter, capturing the protagonist’s confusion and the unusual circumstances they face. It introduces a key sensory detail that contrasts expected outcomes, highlighting the unexpected nature of the unfolding events.

      2. “The wall next to me is the wounded one. It’s been shot, and it’s bleeding. Someone needs to help it.”

      This metaphorical description personifies the damage to the house, emphasizing the gravity and violence of the situation. It reflects the protagonist’s emotional response and the urgency to address harm in their environment, symbolizing vulnerability.

      3. “Joe flies into the living room through one of the open windows, landing on his shoulder. I think of the Morrigan, predicting the fates of men.”

      This passage introduces a symbolic element through the crow, linking to mythological themes and foreshadowing. The reference to the Morrigan enriches the narrative by connecting the present moment to deeper notions of fate and prophecy.

      4. “There are little blue marbles rolling everywhere. There are pennies and paper clips. The gifts left for Juniper. And in the middle of them, the keys to the truck, shining in the moonlight. Juniper must have hidden them inside.”

      This moment reveals a crucial plot detail—the hidden keys—amidst personal tokens, blending the mundane with the meaningful. It highlights Juniper’s foresight and the significance of small objects in the larger story, marking a turning point in the chapter’s action.

      5. “Another firework flares in the distance, and for a moment, everything is bright and clear and illuminated.”

      This evocative image captures a fleeting moment of clarity and hope amid chaos. It serves as a powerful metaphor for insight and revelation, punctuating the tension with a brief but vivid sense of understanding.

    Quotes

    1. “THE FIRST THING I NOTICE IS the smell of smoke. Which doesn’t make any sense. Guns don’t start fires.”

    This opening line sets a tense and mysterious tone for the chapter, capturing the protagonist’s confusion and the unusual circumstances they face. It introduces a key sensory detail that contrasts expected outcomes, highlighting the unexpected nature of the unfolding events.

    2. “The wall next to me is the wounded one. It’s been shot, and it’s bleeding. Someone needs to help it.”

    This metaphorical description personifies the damage to the house, emphasizing the gravity and violence of the situation. It reflects the protagonist’s emotional response and the urgency to address harm in their environment, symbolizing vulnerability.

    3. “Joe flies into the living room through one of the open windows, landing on his shoulder. I think of the Morrigan, predicting the fates of men.”

    This passage introduces a symbolic element through the crow, linking to mythological themes and foreshadowing. The reference to the Morrigan enriches the narrative by connecting the present moment to deeper notions of fate and prophecy.

    4. “There are little blue marbles rolling everywhere. There are pennies and paper clips. The gifts left for Juniper. And in the middle of them, the keys to the truck, shining in the moonlight. Juniper must have hidden them inside.”

    This moment reveals a crucial plot detail—the hidden keys—amidst personal tokens, blending the mundane with the meaningful. It highlights Juniper’s foresight and the significance of small objects in the larger story, marking a turning point in the chapter’s action.

    5. “Another firework flares in the distance, and for a moment, everything is bright and clear and illuminated.”

    This evocative image captures a fleeting moment of clarity and hope amid chaos. It serves as a powerful metaphor for insight and revelation, punctuating the tension with a brief but vivid sense of understanding.

    FAQs

    1. What is the initial sensory detail that the narrator notices, and why is it significant in the context of the scene?

    Answer:
    The narrator first notices the smell of smoke, which is significant because it seems out of place—“Guns don’t start fires.” This detail sets a tense and confusing atmosphere, indicating that something dangerous or unexpected is happening. The smell of smoke juxtaposed with gunfire hints at chaos and potential danger beyond just a shooting, foreshadowing that the situation is more complex and threatening than it initially appears.

    2. How does the author use the imagery of the “wounded” wall to convey the situation’s urgency and emotional tone?

    Answer:
    The wall described as “wounded” and “bleeding” personifies the house, making the damage feel alive and urgent. This metaphor deepens the emotional impact, emphasizing vulnerability and harm in the environment, not just physical damage. The narrator’s thought that “Someone needs to help it” reflects a desire for protection and healing, mirroring the personal danger and emotional turmoil experienced by the characters. It also heightens the tension, as the damage is tangible and immediate.

    3. Analyze the symbolic role of Joe, the crow, in this scene. How does his behavior contribute to the narrative?

    Answer:
    Joe, the crow, symbolizes a messenger or guide, reminiscent of the Morrigan, a figure associated with fate and prophecy. His sudden entrance and interaction with the environment—knocking over the vase to reveal hidden keys—serve as a pivotal plot device, providing the characters with a means to escape or act. Joe’s actions suggest a connection between the natural world and the unfolding human drama, adding a mystical or fateful layer to the narrative. His presence shifts the scene from chaos toward potential resolution.

    4. What is the significance of the keys being hidden among “little blue marbles,” pennies, and paper clips, described as “the gifts left for Juniper”?

    Answer:
    The keys hidden among small, personal objects described as “gifts left for Juniper” imply a deeper emotional or symbolic meaning. These items likely represent memories, tokens of care, or remnants of someone important, suggesting Juniper’s presence and influence even in moments of crisis. The keys’ concealment here indicates careful planning or protection, highlighting themes of trust and preparedness. This detail enriches the narrative by connecting the characters’ immediate danger with their relationships and past experiences.

    5. Considering the chaotic environment with gunfire and fireworks, how does the author use sensory details to create a vivid and immersive scene?

    Answer:
    The author employs auditory details like “Boom!” and “Crack!” to simulate the loud, unsettling sounds of fireworks and gunfire, immersing the reader in the scene’s intensity. The scent of smoke adds a tactile layer, while visual elements—such as the shattered vase and rolling marbles illuminated by moonlight—create a vivid picture of disorder and urgency. These sensory details combine to evoke tension and realism, making the reader feel present in the chaotic moment and emphasizing the danger and emotional stakes faced by the characters.

    Note