Dec 19, 2025
I love the way that you display childlike innocence in this story. Seeing two adults, obviously still somewhat trapped in the past and distrustful, struggling with the new reality added a level of sobriety to the current tensions. But then, the beauty of innocence, a childlike belief in peace and unity, acts as a bridge between two sides.
The symbolism of the gate on the balcony was also very powerful in this scene. The balcony was shared, an even plane, with only a slight separator. Could it be a metaphor for the similarity but difference in their worlds or culture? Or maybe the reality of the world as it is now? The power of it being a gate and not a wall is perfect for this moment. To relate it to permaculture and nature, we learn to build gates not walls. Walls are fixed, separating—but gates allow us to interact. They connect spaces. Dont separate them.
Beautifully done chapter!
