Songs for this chapter are:
Syndicate- The Fray
Ungodly hour- The Fray
Treacherous - Taylor Swift
Through the Dark - One Direction
Hardin's POV.
The silence is so loud, she's trying to stay quiet on her side of the car but I can hear her breathing, the way she's trying to control it, to control her emotions.
My chest is so f*cking tight and she's just sitting there, letting my words stew in her mind. Why do I always do this sh*t to her?
I always say the wrong things no matter how many times I promise that I won't. No matter how many times I promise that I will change, I always do this.
See AlsoTessa CampanelliA Refresher on What Happens in the "After Ever Happy" BookHow old are Hardin and Tessa in After We Fell?Everything to Know About After We Fell, the Third Book in Anna Todd's SeriesI pull away and leave her to deal with the sh*t herself.
Not again. I can't do it again, she needs me more than ever and this is my chance to show her that I can be here the way she needs.
Tessa doesn't look over at me as I turn the wheel and park on the side of the highway. I turn my hazard lights on and hope that a damn cop doesn't come and start sh*t.
"Tess," I attempt to get her attention while I scramble through my thoughts. She doesn't look up from her hands in her lap. "Tessa, please look at me."I reach my hand across the console to touch her but she jerks away and her hand slaps against the door.
"Hey," I take off my seatbelt and turn toward her, taking both of her wrists into one of my hands, the way I do so often.
"I'm fine." She raises her chin slightly to prove her point but the moisture in her eyes tells another story. "You shouldn't be parked here, this is a busy highway."
"I don't give a sh*t about where I am parked." I tell her. "I'm f*cked up, my head isn't right." I stumble for the words to make sense. "I am so sorry, I shouldn't have reacted like that."
After a few moments she lowers her eyes to me, staring at my face, avoiding my eyes. "Tess, don't shut down again, please. I'm so sorry, I don't know what I was thinking, I never even considered having kids anyway and here I am making you feel bad for this sh*t." The confession sounds even worse as the words fall between us.
"You're allowed to be upset too," she quietly responds. "I just needed you to say something, anything.." the last word is so low that it's barely audible.
"I don't care if you can't have kids." I blurt. f*cking hell. "I mean, I don't care about our kids that we can't have." I try to rub salve onto the wound I've created but her expression lets me know I'm doing the opposite.
"What I'm trying, and failing f*cking miserably, to say is that I love you and I'm an insensitiveprick for not being here for you just now. I put myself first, as always and I'm sorry." My words seem to pull her out of herself and she brings her eyes to mine.
"Thank you," she pulls one of her wrists from my hand and I hesitate to let her go but I'm relieved when she raises her hand to wipe her eyes. "I'm sorry that you feel like I took something from you." She says. I can tell shehas more to say.
"Don't hold back. I know you,say what you need to say."
"I hate the way you reacted." She huffs.
"I know I'm-" I'm interrupted by her hand in the air.
"I wasn't finished." Tessa clears her throat. "I have wanted to be a mother since I can remember. I was just like every other girl with her dolls, but more so.Being a mother was so important to me. I never, ever questioned or worried that I may not be able to be one."
As someone deeply immersed in the literary world, particularly in the genres of romance and drama, I've spent extensive time analyzing and understanding the nuances of character development, plot dynamics, and the emotional depth that resonates with readers. I've engaged with countless novels and narratives that explore complex relationships, delving into the intricacies of human emotions and the challenges characters face.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts and elements presented in the passage you provided. The excerpt appears to be a segment from a novel, likely falling within the romance or drama genres. Here are some notable points to consider:
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Musical Accompaniment:
- The author has integrated specific songs into the narrative, such as "Syndicate" and "Ungodly Hour" by The Fray, "Treacherous" by Taylor Swift, and "Through the Dark" by One Direction. This suggests a deliberate effort to evoke certain emotions or set a particular tone within the scene. Musical references in literature can enhance the reader's experience and provide additional layers of meaning.
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Character Perspective (Hardin's POV):
- The passage is written from the point of view of a character named Hardin. This choice in narrative perspective allows readers to gain insights into Hardin's thoughts, emotions, and internal struggles. First-person perspective can create a more intimate connection between the reader and the character.
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Emotional Conflict:
- The narrative revolves around a tense and emotionally charged situation between Hardin and another character named Tessa. Hardin expresses regret and frustration with his own behavior, acknowledging a pattern of saying the wrong things and distancing himself from Tessa during difficult moments.
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Conflict Resolution:
- The passage explores Hardin's realization of the need to change his behavior and be there for Tessa, especially during a crucial time. It touches on themes of self-awareness, personal growth, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship.
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Theme of Parenthood and Emotional Impact:
- The conversation between Hardin and Tessa revolves around the sensitive topic of parenthood. Tessa reveals her deep desire to be a mother and the emotional impact of realizing that having children may not be a straightforward path for her. This theme adds a layer of complexity to the characters and their relationship.
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Communication and Apology:
- The passage highlights the importance of effective communication in relationships. Hardin struggles to express himself initially but eventually offers a heartfelt apology, recognizing his insensitivity and prioritizing Tessa's feelings.
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Character Backstory (Tessa's Desire to be a Mother):
- Tessa shares her lifelong dream of becoming a mother, emphasizing the significance of this aspiration in her life. This personal revelation adds depth to her character and provides context for her emotional reactions.
In conclusion, this narrative excerpt skillfully weaves together elements of music, character perspectives, emotional conflict, resolution, and deeper thematic layers. The author employs a mix of dialogue, internal monologue, and character actions to create a compelling scene that resonates with the complexities of human relationships and personal struggles.
