Chapter 38: Distraction and a Gift

⚠️ 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 sends a text to Tessa and then falls into a spiral of anxious waiting. She tries to distract herself by helping her mother build a bookcase in the shed, but her mind keeps drifting back to Tessa and the upcoming party. She worries that she is acting obsessed and weird. After the bookcase is finished, Gretchen visits and presents Imogen with a small gift: a velvet bow for her hair, perfect for the “dark academia” theme of tomorrow’s party. Imogen is touched by the thoughtful present and momentarily calmer.

Key Events

Imogen sends a text to Tessa and then obsessively checks her phone, remembering that Tessa is in class.
She helps her mom assemble a bookcase, but her distraction causes her to over-tighten a screw.
Imogen reflects on how her entire mood is controlled by waiting for a message from Tessa.
Gretchen arrives at the house, having brought a gift: a black velvet bow for Imogen to wear at the party.
Gretchen helps Imogen try on the bow and declares it perfect for the dark academia aesthetic.

Character Development

Imogen: Her internal monologue reveals the depth of her crush on Tessa. She is acutely aware of her own anxious behavior and tries to regulate it, but the pull of attraction is overwhelming. The gift from Gretchen provides a brief respite from that tension.
Gretchen: Demonstrates her thoughtfulness and closeness with Imogen by remembering the party and picking out a personalized accessory. She is easygoing and supportive, offering Imogen a moment of joy without judgment.
Mom: Appears briefly, grounding Imogen in a mundane family task. She is unaware of Imogen’s emotional turmoil but provides a needed distraction.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Distraction and Anxiety: The bookcase-building serves as a physical metaphor for Imogen’s mental effort to keep busy and not appear obsessed. The shed’s “empty bookcase” symbolizes unfinished feelings and the space waiting to be filled by a relationship with Tessa.
Gifts and Gestures: The velvet bow is a tangible symbol of Gretchen’s support and of Imogen’s identity as someone worthy of care. It ties into the “dark academia” aesthetic that links to the party and the underlying theme of self-presentation.
The Power of Words: Imogen notes how a single text message can hijack her mood, highlighting the vulnerability that comes with romantic interest.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 38 deepens Imogen’s internal conflict between her rational self and her growing feelings for Tessa. It also strengthens the Imogen–Gretchen friendship by showing a sweet, uncomplicated moment of sisterly bonding. The chapter ends on a hopeful note, with Imogen’s anxiety temporarily eased, setting the stage for the party in the next chapter.

Study Questions and Answers

How does Imogen’s interaction with her mother during the bookcase assembly reveal her state of mind? Imogen is physically present but mentally elsewhere. She over-tightens a screw because she is distracted by thoughts of Tessa and when she might text back. This shows that even simple tasks become difficult when she is consumed by romantic anxiety.
What does the velvet bow symbolize in this chapter? The bow is a token of Gretchen’s love and understanding. It also represents Imogen’s desire to fit into the party’s “dark academia” theme, reflecting her wish to present a certain version of herself. The bow’s physical softness and elegance contrast with Imogen’s inner turmoil, offering a moment of calm.
Why does Imogen linger in the shed after her mom leaves, and what does the empty bookcase represent? Imogen stays because the shed feels “half-baked” and “suspended in time,” mirroring her own unfinished feelings toward Tessa. The empty bookcase symbolizes potential—a space waiting to be filled, much like her relationship with Tessa is still developing.