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Julie Gabrielli's avatar

Their banter feels so natural and familiar: a father and adult daughter remembering the past differently, getting frustrated, falling into old patterns. When she says "I was never really part of the story," that's her truth, but he doesn't want to hear it. Instead of acknowledging her pain, he throws it back at her, which is so realistic in families. I enjoyed how they danced around the big mystery / event, daring each other to go there. And Lefty's observation that came with age and experience: "People grow toward one another, I think. People become something more when somebody sees them." Each of them trying to be understood by the other. A satisfying and touching chapter.

Ben Wakeman's avatar

I’m so glad you think so, Julie. I’m so grateful for your deep reading of my stories. It’s such a gift. I just realized I read your post a few days ago and I think I forgot to jump back in to comment. Headed there now.

Chloe Hope's avatar

So good. When Lefty is talking about truth at the end, the layers, how you really come to know anything, he could’ve been talking about Kelly’s works. Not that everyone can handle coming to know what it is that she’s translating…

Ben Wakeman's avatar

I struggled for a long time to figure out Kelly’s relationship to herself/selves - my brain (still) keeps wanting to explain it and tie it up in a bow. I resist. Thank you for reading, I seed you’ve had a busy Saturday with me so far…

Chloe Hope's avatar

I spent the whole day with you!

Holly Starley's avatar

Intriguing!! Can’t wait to learn more.