If These Wings Could Fly
Chapter Twenty-One
by McCauley, KyrieIn Chapter Twenty-One, the protagonist receives a call from Liam, who invites her over as promised. Though her mother cautiously allows her to go, the protagonist prepares with a mix of excitement and apprehension. In the bathroom, her younger sister Juniper watches her apply makeup, curious and slightly suspicious about Liam’s role in her life. Juniper probes, trying to understand whether Liam is more than just a friend helping with art homework, reflecting the innocent yet perceptive nature of childhood.
The interactions between the protagonist, Juniper, and their older sister Campbell reveal underlying family dynamics. Campbell teases Juniper for being a tattletale but also expresses concern about Liam’s intentions. The protagonist reassures Campbell with honesty, promising to be careful with Liam, which eases Campbell’s tension. This exchange highlights the protective instincts within the family, as well as the challenges of growing up and navigating new relationships while maintaining trust among siblings.
As they prepare to leave, the protagonist comforts Campbell, who is upset about losing her bike and feels guilty for past conflicts with Juniper. Their conversation delves into themes of karma and justice, with Campbell wrestling with the idea of whether bad actions deserve punishment. The protagonist offers a more pragmatic perspective, dismissing the notion of a cosmic ledger keeping track of good and bad deeds, emphasizing the complexity of human experiences and relationships.
The chapter closes with Campbell expressing a wish for some form of justice, particularly in relation to someone she hopes will face consequences. This moment underscores the emotional weight the siblings carry, blending innocence with mature reflections on fairness and accountability. Overall, the chapter explores family bonds, the nuances of trust and protection, and the struggles of growing up amidst uncertainty and emotional turmoil.
FAQs
1. What is the nature of Liam’s relationship with the narrator, and how does the narrator explain it to Juniper and Campbell?
Answer:
Liam is described as a friend from school who is helping the narrator with art class homework. The narrator emphasizes that Liam is “very nice” and insists that if he were ever not nice, she would stop hanging out with him. When Juniper suspects “art homework” might be code for something else, the narrator reassures her with a straightforward explanation. Campbell probes more subtly about whether Liam is nice and if the narrator likes him, to which the narrator honestly replies affirmatively. This dynamic shows the narrator’s effort to maintain transparency with her sisters while navigating the complexities of friendships and possibly budding romantic feelings.2. How do the interactions between Juniper, Campbell, and the narrator reveal their sibling relationships and individual personalities?
Answer:
The interactions highlight the playful yet sometimes tense dynamics among the sisters. Juniper, younger and inquisitive, questions the narrator’s relationship with Liam in an almost suspicious tone, reflecting her innocence and curiosity about social relationships. Campbell, older and more guarded, attempts to subtly gather information and expresses genuine concern, culminating in a pinkie promise to ensure the narrator’s safety. Their banter about who is a “baby” or a “tattle” shows typical sibling teasing but also underlying care. The narrator acts as a mediator, balancing honesty and reassurance, indicating her role as a responsible older sister who understands and supports her siblings.3. What does the toothpaste metaphor symbolize in Campbell’s emotional state, and how does the narrator respond to it?
Answer:
Campbell squeezing and rolling the toothpaste tube symbolizes the emotional pressure she feels, ready to burst when opened. It reflects her internal struggle with feelings of guilt and unresolved questions about fairness and justice, particularly regarding the consequences of actions (“punishment”) and what they might deserve. The narrator’s response—that there is no “magical ledger of good and bad”—offers a rational perspective, rejecting the idea of karma or cosmic justice. This exchange reveals Campbell’s vulnerability and the narrator’s role in providing grounding and comfort, while also highlighting their differing ways of coping with emotional pain.4. How does the chapter explore the theme of responsibility and forgiveness within the family context?
Answer:
The chapter touches on responsibility through Campbell’s admission of feeling at fault for being mean to Juniper and losing her bike. The narrator challenges the idea that bad things are necessarily punishments, encouraging a more compassionate and realistic view of mistakes and consequences. This dialogue opens space for forgiveness and understanding within the family, emphasizing that holding grudges or expecting retribution is less helpful than empathy and support. The narrator’s promise to find a way to get Campbell another bike further underlines a commitment to repair and care, reinforcing family bonds despite conflicts.5. In what ways does the chapter address the challenges of growing up, particularly in terms of trust and emotional honesty?
Answer:
The chapter portrays growing up as a complex process involving trust, curiosity, and emotional honesty. Juniper’s questioning and Campbell’s cautious probing about Liam reflect the sisters’ navigation of new social experiences and feelings. The narrator’s candid responses and the pinkie promise symbolize the importance of trust and open communication. Additionally, Campbell’s emotional vulnerability and the narrator’s reassurance highlight the challenge of confronting difficult feelings honestly. Through these interactions, the chapter illustrates how growing up involves balancing innocence with awareness, and how family support plays a crucial role in managing these challenges.
Quotes
1. “He invites me to his house, and even though Mom covers the phone before she hands it to me and mouths It’s a boy, she doesn’t say no when I ask her if she’ll drive me over.”
This quote sets the scene for the chapter’s exploration of relationships, trust, and the subtle dynamics of parental oversight. It introduces Liam’s invitation as a catalyst for the protagonist’s interactions and the underlying tensions with family.
2. “‘Nothing. Just that maybe ‘art homework’ is code for something else.’”
This line captures the innocent suspicion and curiosity of Juniper, reflecting how children interpret adult interactions and the coded language around relationships. It highlights the theme of growing awareness and the complexity of communication within families.
3. “‘He’s very nice. And if he’s ever not nice, I will stop hanging out with him.’”
This statement is a clear affirmation of boundaries and self-protection in social relationships. It reveals the protagonist’s assertiveness and the importance of trustworthiness in friendships or potential romantic connections.
4. “‘You think it’s a punishment? You do something mean, so you get something bad back? I don’t think there’s anyone keeping a tally, Campbell.’”
This quote addresses the concept of karma and justice from a skeptical, realistic perspective. It challenges the notion of a cosmic ledger balancing good and bad deeds, reflecting the chapter’s deeper questioning of fairness and consequence.
5. “‘Maybe it’s too bad there isn’t, though.’ … ‘Because that means no one will ever punish him.’”
This exchange poignantly expresses the desire for accountability and justice, contrasting with the earlier dismissal of a moral balance. It reveals emotional vulnerability and the longing for someone to face consequences, adding emotional depth to the chapter’s themes.