Prodigy
Chapter 22: Day 11
by Lu, MarieThe chapter “Day 11: Prodigy” begins with the protagonist securing their hospital room after a chaotic event, ensuring guards are posted and requesting supplies for June, who is recovering. The noise from the crowd outside fades, leaving them in silence. The protagonist reflects on their precarious situation, noting the lack of weapons and the need for a stealthy escape if necessary. Their unease grows as they ponder Kaede’s cryptic message to return to the Republic, questioning whether it’s a warning or a trap.
As time drags on, the protagonist grows restless until a sudden thud against the balcony door startles them. Discovering a note tied to a rock, they read Kaede’s urgent plea to meet outside. Despite skepticism, the protagonist decides to hear her out, leaving June guarded but vulnerable. They stealthily exit the balcony, dropping to the snow-covered ground below, and cautiously scan the empty streets for Kaede. The tension is palpable as they prepare for a potential confrontation.
Kaede emerges from the shadows, urging the protagonist to follow her. They navigate alleys and streets, the protagonist remaining alert for danger. Kaede’s appearance is altered, her military attire replaced with civilian clothing, and her demeanor is uncharacteristically anxious. She reassures the protagonist that June is safe and insists their meeting is urgent. The protagonist presses for answers, questioning Kaede’s motives and the whereabouts of the other Patriots.
Kaede reveals she came alone to deliver a warning, though the chapter cuts off before she can elaborate. The protagonist’s suspicion lingers, especially when Kaede mentions Tess, heightening the stakes. The encounter leaves the protagonist torn between distrust and the need for information, setting the stage for a critical decision. The chapter ends with unresolved tension, emphasizing the precariousness of their situation and the uncertainty of Kaede’s intentions.
FAQs
1. What precautions does the narrator take before leaving June alone in the hospital room?
Answer:
The narrator ensures guards are stationed outside their door to prevent fans from barging in, requests extra blankets and medicine for June, and carefully locks the balcony doors after exiting. They also position themselves to leave quietly, making sure any intruder would have to create enough noise to alert the guards. These steps reflect their concern for June’s safety and their awareness of potential threats, even as they reluctantly step out to meet Kaede.2. Analyze the narrator’s conflicting feelings toward Kaede. What evidence suggests both distrust and cautious openness?
Answer:
The narrator is wary of Kaede, noting her past help in Pierra but questioning her motives for urging a return to the Republic. They hesitate to trust her, especially after her threatening note (“you’re gonna regret it”), yet ultimately agree to meet, reasoning that a brief conversation might clarify her intentions. Their physical distance during their talk and constant vigilance (“in case she decides to get happy with a knife”) underscore distrust, while their willingness to engage suggests a pragmatic hope for useful information.3. How does the setting contribute to the tension in this chapter?
Answer:
The silent, snow-covered streets and empty alleys amplify the narrator’s isolation and vulnerability. The trampled snow and hidden shadows evoke recent chaos and lingering danger. The hospital balcony—both a refuge and a point of exposure—becomes a threshold between safety and risk. The Colonies’ cold, impersonal infrastructure (“building ads,” “narrow alley”) mirrors the narrator’s uncertainty, as even the environment feels untrustworthy, heightening the urgency of Kaede’s cryptic warnings.4. What might Kaede’s emergency be, based on her behavior and the chapter’s context?
Answer:
Kaede’s frantic anxiety and insistence on secrecy suggest a genuine threat, possibly related to the Patriots’ plans or Tess’s safety. Her solo appearance and focus on warning the narrator (rather than capturing them) hint at a rift within the Patriots or new intel about Republic forces. Her cryptic notes and urgency imply time-sensitive danger, though her manipulative tone leaves room for deception—keeping the narrator (and reader) uncertain of her true allegiance.5. Evaluate the narrator’s decision to meet Kaede. Was it justified, given the risks?
Answer:
The decision balances risk and necessity. While leaving June alone risks exposure, Kaede’s knowledge of their location and past aid makes her a critical source of information. The narrator mitigates risks by locking doors, memorizing escape routes, and staying in public view. However, Kaede’s unpredictability and the Patriots’ history of betrayal make the choice precarious. Ultimately, the narrator’s need for answers—coupled with Kaede’s potential to warn of imminent threats—justifies the calculated gamble.
Quotes
1. “Everything’s ready to go, but I stand unmoving at June’s bedside. There’s nothing in here I can make into a weapon, so if we really do need to make a run for it tonight, all we can hope for is that we won’t have to fight anyone. That no one will notice we’re gone until morning.”
This quote captures the protagonist’s tension and vulnerability, highlighting the precariousness of their situation and the constant threat of danger. It sets the tone for the chapter’s themes of survival and distrust.
2. “Why would Kaede tell me to return to the Republic? Is she trying to trap me or warn me? Then again—if she wanted to hurt us, why did she hit Baxter and let us go in Pierra?”
This passage reflects the protagonist’s internal conflict and paranoia, questioning Kaede’s motives and the ambiguity of trust in their world. It underscores the chapter’s exploration of loyalty and deception.
3. “If you don’t talk to me now, you’re gonna regret it.—K”
Kaede’s threatening note escalates the tension, forcing the protagonist to confront her directly. This quote is pivotal as it drives the action forward and heightens the stakes of their interaction.
4. “My temper rises at the threat. Kaede does have the power to turn us in for messing up the Patriots’ plans.”
This line reveals the protagonist’s awareness of their precarious position and Kaede’s leverage over them. It emphasizes the power dynamics and the constant negotiation of trust and survival.
5. “I needed to warn you.”
Kaede’s cryptic statement introduces a sense of urgency and impending danger, hinting at larger consequences. This quote is significant as it foreshadows potential conflicts or revelations that could impact the protagonist’s journey.