Prodigy
Chapter 20: Day 10
by Lu, MarieThe chapter opens with June in a fragile state, heavily sedated after sobbing over her brother’s death. The narrator, Daniel, watches her with empathy, recalling his own loss of an older brother. He tries to comfort her by smoothing her hair and kissing her forehead, though it seems futile. The hospital is quiet, filled with distant noises and a news broadcast interspersed with unfamiliar commercials. Daniel reflects on his mother’s care for his brother Eden during his illness, drawing parallels to June’s grief and his own past.
A Colonies soldier enters the room, treating Daniel with unexpected respect, as if he’s a high-ranking officer. She informs him that June must remain hospitalized until she recovers and offers additional accommodations. Daniel accepts, wary but grateful for the preferential treatment. The soldier’s demeanor shifts to curiosity as she questions him about his reputation in the Colonies, referencing exaggerated tabloid stories about his exploits. Daniel deflects her questions, but her mention of a firing squad execution triggers painful memories of his brother’s sacrifice.
The soldier explains the history of the war and the Colonies, detailing how catastrophic floods reshaped the continent, leading to mass migrations and territorial conflicts. She boasts about the Colonies’ impending victory, claiming the war is rooted in land disputes. Daniel recalls Kaede’s earlier remarks about the Colonies’ dominance, now hearing it confirmed. The conversation highlights the stark contrast between the Republic’s and Colonies’ narratives, leaving Daniel to ponder the truth amid propaganda.
As the discussion ends, the noise outside the hospital grows louder, hinting at unrest or activity in the city. The chapter closes with Daniel’s lingering thoughts on the war’s origins and the soldier’s confident claims, leaving him unsettled. The tension between personal grief and broader political conflict underscores the chapter’s emotional and thematic weight, setting the stage for further developments.
FAQs
1. How does the narrator (Daniel) demonstrate care for June in this chapter, and what does this reveal about their relationship?
Answer:
Daniel shows deep care for June by smoothing her hair, kissing her damp forehead, cheeks, and lips, and maintaining a vigil by her bedside while she sleeps. These actions mirror the comfort June has previously offered him, indicating a reciprocal and intimate bond. His persistence in comforting her despite her unresponsiveness highlights his devotion. The chapter also reveals their shared trauma—both have lost older brothers, which creates a profound emotional connection between them. Daniel’s tenderness contrasts with his usual rebellious persona, showing vulnerability in their relationship.2. What cultural differences between the Republic and the Colonies are highlighted in this chapter?
Answer:
The chapter underscores stark contrasts: the Colonies’ media includes commercials (unfamiliar to Republic citizens) and sensationalized tabloid stories about figures like Daniel, portraying him with dramatic nicknames like “The Phantom.” The soldier’s casual demeanor and lack of restraints for Daniel and June also reflect a more relaxed authority compared to the Republic’s strict control. Additionally, the Colonies openly discuss historical events like the floods and land wars, which the Republic likely suppresses. These differences emphasize the Colonies’ capitalist, media-driven society versus the Republic’s authoritarian propaganda.3. What historical context does the soldier provide about the war between the Colonies and the Republic?
Answer:
The soldier explains that the war originated from land disputes after catastrophic floods wiped out southern U.S. states, forcing eastern refugees westward. The western states built walls to block migration, prompting the Colonies to create tunnels—later repurposed for military assaults by the Republic. She frames the conflict as a struggle for resources, with the Colonies now “winning.” This history reveals the war’s roots in environmental disaster and displacement, contrasting with the Republic’s likely narrative of ideological conflict. The soldier’s pride in the Colonies’ stability adds a layer of propaganda, mirroring the Republic’s bias.4. How does Daniel react to the soldier’s mention of his alleged exploits, and what does this reveal about his character?
Answer:
Daniel laughs at the absurd tabloid claims (e.g., dating singer Lincoln or dodging execution bullets) but becomes somber when reminded of his brother’s death. This reaction shows his discomfort with fame and the painful memories behind his legend. His silence when the soldier mentions executions underscores his guilt over Metias’s sacrifice, revealing how trauma overshadows his reputation. The contrast between his humor and sudden seriousness highlights his complexity—he’s both a defiant figure and a grieving younger brother, resistant to the Colonies’ glamorization of his suffering.5. Why might the Colonies treat Daniel and June with unexpected leniency, and what risks could this pose?
Answer:
The Colonies likely treat them leniently due to Daniel’s celebrity status as a Republic defector, which propaganda outlets like Evergreen Ent exploit for morale. The lack of restraints suggests they view the pair as non-threatening or valuable for PR. However, this poses risks: if the Colonies discover their ties to the Patriots (who botched the Elector’s assassination), their hospitality could vanish. June’s identity as the Republic’s “prodigy” is also a liability if revealed. The soldier’s casual attitude hints at either ignorance or overconfidence, leaving Daniel wary of their precarious position.
Quotes
1. “Those strong dark eyes of hers—now, their expression was just … broken. I wince. Of course, I know exactly what it feels like to lose an older brother.”
This poignant moment captures the shared grief between the narrator and June, revealing their emotional bond through parallel experiences of loss. The raw vulnerability here underscores a key theme of trauma and mutual understanding.
2. “No, I didn’t dodge any bullets. I let my older brother take them for me.”
A devastating revelation that exposes the narrator’s survivor guilt and the true cost of his past actions. This brief statement carries immense emotional weight, contrasting sharply with the Colonies’ glamorized rumors about him.
3. “Back in the day, this all used to be the United States of America. You know that, yes?” […] “Well, do you know about the floods? Came fast, in less than two years, and wiped out half of the low-lying south.”
This world-building exchange provides crucial historical context about the environmental catastrophe that reshaped the continent. The soldier’s explanation reveals how geography and resource scarcity fuel the ongoing war between the Republic and Colonies.
4. “This war won’t go on for much longer—we’ve been winning for a while now.”
A bold claim that challenges the narrator’s (and reader’s) understanding of the conflict’s status quo. This quote introduces tension about the Colonies’ perceived superiority and foreshadows potential shifts in the power dynamic.
5. “Every now and then Republic refugees come in just like you did […] No one likes civilians from an enemy territory suddenly taking up residence in one’s hometown.”
This exposes the deep-seated animosity between the two societies, highlighting how war has eroded basic human empathy. The casual cruelty in “kicking them back over the warfront” reveals the Colonies’ harsh treatment of displaced people.