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    Wait

    by Burnham, Gabriella
    “Wait” by Gabriella Burnham is a coming-of-age novel set on Nantucket Island, focusing on two Brazilian American sisters, Elise and Sophie. After their undocumented mother is deported, the sisters navigate complex family dynamics, identity, and self-sufficiency amidst socioeconomic challenges. The narrative explores themes of immigration, belonging, and resilience in a nuanced portrayal of contemporary American life.
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    Part III: The Main House Chapter 5

    by Burnham, Gabriella

    In the sum­mer fol­low­ing Sophie’s eleventh birth­day, an ear­ly appear­ance of phos­pho­res­cence in the island’s waters sparked curios­i­ty. Elise over­heard teenagers describ­ing their expe­ri­ence of see­ing glow­ing green lights while swim­ming at night, attribut­ing it to phos­pho­res­cent jel­ly­fish. Intrigued by this phe­nom­e­non, Elise shared the sto­ry with Sophie, and togeth­er they researched the sea crea­tures respon­si­ble for the bio­lu­mi­nes­cent dis­play. Their search revealed a vari­ety of lumi­nous marine organ­isms, includ­ing comb jel­lies, and a cap­ti­vat­ing video show­cased the enchant­i­ng glow of these under­wa­ter life­forms, deep­en­ing their fas­ci­na­tion and desire to wit­ness it first­hand.

    Moti­vat­ed by their dis­cov­ery, the girls devised a plan to observe the phos­pho­res­cence them­selves. Set­ting an alarm for the ear­ly hours when their moth­er Gil­da would be asleep, they qui­et­ly slipped out of the house in their night­gowns. Their stealthy escape was filled with antic­i­pa­tion and cau­tious­ness as they nav­i­gat­ed the dark island roads, encoun­ter­ing only a fam­i­ly of deer along the way. Upon reach­ing the beach, they adjust­ed their eyes to the dim light and ven­tured cau­tious­ly into the ocean, deter­mined to find the glow­ing spec­ta­cle described by the teenagers.

    Despite Sophie’s ini­tial fear of the dark, murky water—heightened by a pre­vi­ous painful crab encounter—Elise reas­sured her, and they wad­ed deep­er into the tide. Once sub­merged, they were mes­mer­ized by the glow­ing comb jel­lies illu­mi­nat­ing the water around them, cre­at­ing a mag­i­cal and oth­er­world­ly expe­ri­ence. Their play­ful immer­sion, marked by neon pat­terns and shared won­der, sym­bol­ized a moment of child­hood free­dom and awe, as they imag­ined nev­er leav­ing this lumi­nous under­wa­ter world and dreamed of breath­ing beneath the waves.

    Their rever­ie was abrupt­ly end­ed by their mother’s urgent call from shore, warn­ing them of the dan­ger and order­ing them out of the water. Gilda’s unex­pect­ed vig­i­lance revealed that their secret excur­sion had been dis­cov­ered, high­light­ing the ten­sion between child­hood curios­i­ty and parental con­cern. The chap­ter clos­es with Sophie and Elise reluc­tant­ly leav­ing the glow­ing sea behind, their brief encounter with the mys­te­ri­ous phos­pho­res­cence leav­ing a last­ing impres­sion on their young lives.

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    FAQs

    • 1. What phenomenon did Sophie and Elise investigate, and how did they learn about it?

      Answer:
      Sophie and Elise investigated the early appearance of phosphorescent jellyfish in the island waters, a phenomenon that had arrived several months ahead of its usual season. Elise first overheard teenagers in town discussing how their movements in the water caused a green glowing effect beneath the surface, which they attributed to phosphorescent jellyfish. Curious, Elise and Sophie used Gilda’s computer to research this phenomenon, discovering related terms like bioluminescence, dinoflagellates, and comb jellies (Ctenophora). Their research also revealed that many marine and terrestrial organisms emit light, deepening their intrigue and motivating their late-night venture to see the glowing ocean themselves.

      2. How does the chapter illustrate Sophie and Elise’s relationship and personalities through their nighttime investigation?

      Answer:
      The chapter highlights Sophie and Elise’s close bond, curiosity, and adventurous spirits. They collaborate on researching the glowing phenomenon and plan a secret midnight excursion when their mother, Gilda, is likely asleep. Their interaction—whispering, encouraging each other, and linking arms—demonstrates trust and mutual support. Sophie’s initial fear of opaque water and Elise’s reassurance reveal contrasting personalities: Sophie is cautious and somewhat fearful, while Elise is more daring and confident. Together, they overcome fears and share moments of wonder and joy, such as making “neon snow angels” in the glowing water, underscoring their youthful innocence and the strength of their sisterly connection.

      3. In what ways does the chapter use setting and sensory details to enhance the atmosphere of Sophie and Elise’s experience?

      Answer:
      The chapter employs vivid sensory descriptions and setting details to create an immersive, atmospheric experience. The quiet island roads, the moon’s “slight eye” cutting through the sky, and encounters with deer establish a serene yet mysterious nighttime environment. The cold grass against bare feet and the dark, inky ocean convey both discomfort and awe. Descriptions of the glowing green light stirring in the water, the warm ocean contrasting with the night air, and the tactile sensation of water enveloping their skin evoke a magical, almost otherworldly moment. These details amplify the tension, wonder, and intimacy of the girls’ secret adventure, making the scene feel alive and emotionally resonant.

      Answer:
      The chapter explores themes of curiosity, exploration, and the transition from innocence to awareness. Sophie and Elise’s fascination with the phosphorescent jellyfish symbolizes childhood wonder and the desire to understand the natural world. Their secretive nighttime adventure reflects the thrill of discovery and the testing of boundaries typical of growing up. Sophie’s fear of the unknown, represented by opaque water and imagined sea creatures, contrasts with Elise’s bravery, illustrating the complex emotions children navigate. The moment of awe when they witness the glowing water captures the beauty and mystery of childhood discoveries, while Gilda’s sudden appearance reminds readers of parental protection and the limits imposed on youthful freedom.

      5. How might Sophie and Elise’s experience with the phosphorescent jellyfish influence their future attitudes toward nature and exploration?

      Answer:
      Their encounter with the glowing ocean is likely to deepen Sophie and Elise’s appreciation for the natural world and fuel their curiosity for scientific inquiry and adventure. Experiencing bioluminescence firsthand transforms an abstract concept from their research into a tangible, magical reality, making nature’s wonders more personal and compelling. Overcoming fears and sharing this secret moment can build confidence and resilience, encouraging them to ask questions and seek out new experiences despite uncertainty. This formative event may inspire lifelong interests in marine biology, environmental conservation, or simply a sustained sense of awe toward the world’s mysteries, shaping their identities as thoughtful, inquisitive individuals.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Phosphorescent jellyfish, the taller, gap-toothed one said, and ordered a tuna melt from another teenager behind the counter, who confirmed their sighting. I saw them with my family on the South Shore last week… My brother said they’re never on the South Shore and they’re never this early.”

      This quote introduces the mysterious and rare natural phenomenon that sparks the curiosity and adventure of the protagonists. It highlights the theme of discovery and the allure of the unknown, setting the chapter’s tone of exploration.

      2. “These really exist in the ocean? Sophie said and refreshed the video.”

      This simple, direct question captures the sense of wonder and disbelief that drives the girls to investigate the phosphorescence themselves. It represents the moment knowledge from others transforms into personal fascination, a key turning point in the chapter.

      3. “They devised a plan to investigate the phenomena themselves and set an alarm for one a.m., when they estimated Gilda would have fallen asleep after work.”

      This quote marks the transition from passive curiosity to active engagement and risk-taking. It underscores the girls’ determination and secretive resolve to experience the phenomenon firsthand, advancing the narrative’s tension and intimacy.

      4. “I want to stay here forever, she called to Sophie, who floated onto her back and made a neon snow angel in the sea. Let’s never leave. Let’s invent a way to breathe underwater.”

      This beautifully expressive passage captures the awe and enchantment inspired by the bioluminescent sea. It symbolizes the girls’ yearning for freedom, wonder, and escape from ordinary constraints, embodying the chapter’s emotional climax.

      5. “Get out or you’ll drown! she shouted, both a warning and a threat.”

      The abrupt interruption by their mother’s urgent call introduces a sobering reality check to the girls’ magical experience. This quote encapsulates the tension between childhood innocence and adult concern, highlighting the protective boundaries that frame their adventure.

    Quotes

    1. “Phosphorescent jellyfish, the taller, gap-toothed one said, and ordered a tuna melt from another teenager behind the counter, who confirmed their sighting. I saw them with my family on the South Shore last week… My brother said they’re never on the South Shore and they’re never this early.”

    This quote introduces the mysterious and rare natural phenomenon that sparks the curiosity and adventure of the protagonists. It highlights the theme of discovery and the allure of the unknown, setting the chapter’s tone of exploration.

    2. “These really exist in the ocean? Sophie said and refreshed the video.”

    This simple, direct question captures the sense of wonder and disbelief that drives the girls to investigate the phosphorescence themselves. It represents the moment knowledge from others transforms into personal fascination, a key turning point in the chapter.

    3. “They devised a plan to investigate the phenomena themselves and set an alarm for one a.m., when they estimated Gilda would have fallen asleep after work.”

    This quote marks the transition from passive curiosity to active engagement and risk-taking. It underscores the girls’ determination and secretive resolve to experience the phenomenon firsthand, advancing the narrative’s tension and intimacy.

    4. “I want to stay here forever, she called to Sophie, who floated onto her back and made a neon snow angel in the sea. Let’s never leave. Let’s invent a way to breathe underwater.”

    This beautifully expressive passage captures the awe and enchantment inspired by the bioluminescent sea. It symbolizes the girls’ yearning for freedom, wonder, and escape from ordinary constraints, embodying the chapter’s emotional climax.

    5. “Get out or you’ll drown! she shouted, both a warning and a threat.”

    The abrupt interruption by their mother’s urgent call introduces a sobering reality check to the girls’ magical experience. This quote encapsulates the tension between childhood innocence and adult concern, highlighting the protective boundaries that frame their adventure.

    FAQs

    1. What phenomenon did Sophie and Elise investigate, and how did they learn about it?

    Answer:
    Sophie and Elise investigated the early appearance of phosphorescent jellyfish in the island waters, a phenomenon that had arrived several months ahead of its usual season. Elise first overheard teenagers in town discussing how their movements in the water caused a green glowing effect beneath the surface, which they attributed to phosphorescent jellyfish. Curious, Elise and Sophie used Gilda’s computer to research this phenomenon, discovering related terms like bioluminescence, dinoflagellates, and comb jellies (Ctenophora). Their research also revealed that many marine and terrestrial organisms emit light, deepening their intrigue and motivating their late-night venture to see the glowing ocean themselves.

    2. How does the chapter illustrate Sophie and Elise’s relationship and personalities through their nighttime investigation?

    Answer:
    The chapter highlights Sophie and Elise’s close bond, curiosity, and adventurous spirits. They collaborate on researching the glowing phenomenon and plan a secret midnight excursion when their mother, Gilda, is likely asleep. Their interaction—whispering, encouraging each other, and linking arms—demonstrates trust and mutual support. Sophie’s initial fear of opaque water and Elise’s reassurance reveal contrasting personalities: Sophie is cautious and somewhat fearful, while Elise is more daring and confident. Together, they overcome fears and share moments of wonder and joy, such as making “neon snow angels” in the glowing water, underscoring their youthful innocence and the strength of their sisterly connection.

    3. In what ways does the chapter use setting and sensory details to enhance the atmosphere of Sophie and Elise’s experience?

    Answer:
    The chapter employs vivid sensory descriptions and setting details to create an immersive, atmospheric experience. The quiet island roads, the moon’s “slight eye” cutting through the sky, and encounters with deer establish a serene yet mysterious nighttime environment. The cold grass against bare feet and the dark, inky ocean convey both discomfort and awe. Descriptions of the glowing green light stirring in the water, the warm ocean contrasting with the night air, and the tactile sensation of water enveloping their skin evoke a magical, almost otherworldly moment. These details amplify the tension, wonder, and intimacy of the girls’ secret adventure, making the scene feel alive and emotionally resonant.

    Answer:
    The chapter explores themes of curiosity, exploration, and the transition from innocence to awareness. Sophie and Elise’s fascination with the phosphorescent jellyfish symbolizes childhood wonder and the desire to understand the natural world. Their secretive nighttime adventure reflects the thrill of discovery and the testing of boundaries typical of growing up. Sophie’s fear of the unknown, represented by opaque water and imagined sea creatures, contrasts with Elise’s bravery, illustrating the complex emotions children navigate. The moment of awe when they witness the glowing water captures the beauty and mystery of childhood discoveries, while Gilda’s sudden appearance reminds readers of parental protection and the limits imposed on youthful freedom.

    5. How might Sophie and Elise’s experience with the phosphorescent jellyfish influence their future attitudes toward nature and exploration?

    Answer:
    Their encounter with the glowing ocean is likely to deepen Sophie and Elise’s appreciation for the natural world and fuel their curiosity for scientific inquiry and adventure. Experiencing bioluminescence firsthand transforms an abstract concept from their research into a tangible, magical reality, making nature’s wonders more personal and compelling. Overcoming fears and sharing this secret moment can build confidence and resilience, encouraging them to ask questions and seek out new experiences despite uncertainty. This formative event may inspire lifelong interests in marine biology, environmental conservation, or simply a sustained sense of awe toward the world’s mysteries, shaping their identities as thoughtful, inquisitive individuals.

    Note