1) I love the “mystery” of the first several paragraphs. Meg’s handwriting (and mind) are breaking down a little bit…and she laments that the beard she loves about her husband will soon be gone. Speculation based upon the title: will Charlie soon be deployed?
2) The first paragraph is immersive. The author doesn’t over-describe what Meg is doing or looks like, but notice how each action is important. Gnawing fingernails = anxiety. Tap-tap-tapping the page = anxiety. Pulling hair behind her ears = attempting to control things and make them perfect.
3) I love how Meg and Charlie are talking about everything and nothing all at once. The “mystery” adds subtext to each of their lines. The uneasy and mundane talk about landscaping makes sense…the time the partners share is colored by the separation they know is coming.
Check out the author’s web site and buy her book!
