Chapter 14
Summary
- The chapter begins with Evelyn and the protagonist wrapping up a conversation, during which Evelyn informs her about an inquiry from her editor concerning a photo-shoot. The protagonist seems unsure about her next move and has not yet informed her editor about their plan.
- Upon returning home, the protagonist finds a package from her mother containing photo albums from her father, leading her to reflect back on his advice about pursuing work that "makes your heart feel big".
- The protagonist's dad was a photographer, who took candid shots on movie sets. She recalls an important conversation she had with him about choosing work that invigorates her. Her father's professional passion inspires her career path as well.
- The protagonist further contemplates on her father's death and the profound impact of his words on her life, and how his advice has shaped her career journey.
- In the photo albums, she comes across a photo of herself with her parents from when she was four. She meditates on her biracial identity, and how it led to her feeling like "two halves."
- After her father's death, she feels only connected to her mother's half and loses her connection to the other. Her childhood was characterized by her parents' struggle to find a neighborhood where they both felt comfortable due to their racial difference.
- Reflecting on an old family photo, the protagonist realizes that she is not two halves of one thing, but a whole - fully loved by her parents. She expresses her longing to communicate with her deceased father, sharing with him her professional accomplishments and receiving his pride and love in return.
- The chapter ends with the protagonist and Evelyn resuming the conversation from yesterday about Evelyn's movie, Little Women.