Chapter 16: Gretchen's Scissor Emoji and a Thrift Store Revelation
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Imogen wakes before dawn in Lili’s dorm room, exhausted but unable to sleep. She stares at Gretchen’s overnight texts – a joke about Tessa kissing someone in the rain, accompanied by a scissor emoji. The message unsettles Imogen, and she examines her reaction. She wonders if her discomfort could be lesbophobia, but dismisses it because most of her close friends are queer. She imagines Tessa in the rain, feeling jealous without fully acknowledging the reason.
To distract herself, Imogen creates a detailed dark academia vision board on her phone for the upcoming thrift store trip. Lili wakes and praises Imogen’s intensity. Hours later, they head out under umbrellas to meet Kayla’s minivan. Imogen expects Tessa to join, but Lili says Tessa won’t come because she’s at Wegmans with the “himbo” friends. Imogen feels a sharp pang of disappointment that she cannot explain.
During the car ride, Kayla jokes about her dented minivan. Declan and Mika banter. Imogen laughs along outwardly, but inside she feels “droopy” and wistful about Tessa’s absence. The chapter ends with Imogen sitting in the minivan, still puzzled by her own feelings.
Key Events
- Imogen lies awake reading Gretchen’s texts about Tessa kissing in the rain and feels inexplicably jumpy.
- She questions whether her reaction could be lesbophobia and dismisses it, but the thought lingers.
- Imogen builds a dark academia vision board on her phone, showing her meticulous, detail-oriented personality.
- Lili wakes; they share a brief, affectionate exchange about Imogen’s board.
- Later, Imogen and Lili join Kayla, Mika, and Declan for a thrifting trip.
- Imogen learns that Tessa will not be joining them and feels a sudden, unaccountable disappointment.
- The chapter closes with Imogen riding in the minivan, distracted by her emotions.
Character Development
Imogen’s Self-Awareness and Confusion: Imogen’s internal monologue reveals a growing self‑scrutiny. She tries to label her discomfort as lesbophobia, but the real source is jealousy and attraction toward Tessa. She is not yet ready to name her own sexuality, but the emotional honesty of her reactions marks a turning point.
Lili’s Supportive Role: Lili remains a grounding presence – she is warm, complimentary, and unbothered by Imogen’s quirks. Her casual mention of Tessa’s plans triggers Imogen’s reaction, highlighting how Lili is unaware of Imogen’s internal turmoil.
Tessa (Off‑Page): Although absent, Tessa’s name dominates Imogen’s thoughts. The chapter builds Tessa as a romantic catalyst whose simple absence creates emotional turbulence for Imogen.
Gretchen: Brief and unseen, but her teasing text acts as the inciting incident. She appears as a playful friend who unknowingly pushes Imogen toward self-discovery.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Internalized Bias and Denial: Imogen’s worry that her jealousy might be lesbophobia shows how fear of being prejudiced can mask genuine attraction. She intellectualizes feelings instead of accepting them.
The Rain Kiss Motif: Gretchen’s description of a rainy kiss evolves from a silly joke into a symbol of romantic desire. Imogen’s fantasy about kissing in the rain – despite the discomfort – reveals her longing for Tessa.
The Vision Board as Identity Metaphor: Imogen’s dark academia vision board represents her need for order, intention, and aesthetic control. It contrasts with the messy, unpredictable feelings she cannot arrange on a board.
Absence as Tension: Tessa’s unexplained absence forces Imogen to confront the weight of her feelings. The empty seat in the minivan mirrors the emotional gap Tessa leaves behind.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 16 is the first moment Imogen honestly examines her romantic feelings for Tessa. Until now, those feelings were buried under friendship and denial. The chapter plants the seed for Imogen’s eventual coming‑out journey. It also deepens the thematic exploration of queer identity and self‑awareness, showing how social context can delay personal realization.
Study Questions and Answers
1. Why does Imogen feel jumpy after reading Gretchen’s texts?
Imogen is unsettled because the image of Tessa kissing someone else stirs jealousy and attraction she has not yet acknowledged. She tries to rationalize the feeling by considering lesbophobia, but the true source is her own crush on Tessa.
2. What does the vision board reveal about Imogen’s character?
The vision board shows Imogen’s meticulous, thoughtful nature. She cares about aesthetics, inclusivity, and audience – suggesting she is a planner who likes to control outcomes. This contrasts with her inability to control or even name her sudden emotions.
3. How does Tessa’s absence affect Imogen in this chapter?
Tessa’s absence triggers a sharp, inexplicable disappointment. Imogen realizes she had been looking forward to time with Tessa, and the letdown forces her to examine (though not yet fully accept) the depth of her feelings. The moment hints at the romantic tension that will drive future chapters.