A New Way of Seeing
Summary
- The protagonist is passing by the station, observing her surroundings such as the garish patterns of a local restaurant, La Cantina, and the now-closed String Theory. A note on the door of the latter reveals that it had to shut down because of unmanageable rent increment, and that note is dated almost three months ago.
- She feels sad about the closure of String Theory, as it used to serve many people. She reflects on her memories of selling electric pianos and guitars there.
- She recollects her mockery with Joe about their hometown. To them, they felt entrapped within the town, considering it an 'outer prison', deeming any opportunity to escape it as worthy.
- As she approaches the local statue of John Howard, and perceives the surrounding scenic beauty, she realizes that she's been mistaken about the town. She feels as though she was appreciating its beauty for the first time, and understands that true worth lies in how one perceives a thing, rather than what it has to offer.
- Returning to Cambridge in her Audi, she wishes she could have met Mrs. Elm once more before she died to have another game of chess. At the same time, she reflects on Leo, who's currently confined to a cell.
- Amidst the ennui and regret, she tries to reassure herself that the life she's living is the best one – yet with a deep knowledge that her time is running short.