It’s not strictly necessary for me to ask her opinion. A seasoned writer like Scarlett who has been through this process before might even read it as rhetorical—something to think about and nothing more—and not respond. She knows she can reject changes I suggest if she has good reasons. But I tell myself that I want to keep this line of communication open in case she needs more direction, even though I know, deep down, I want her to respond for entirely different reasons. So I am delighted a few moments later when she does.

From: Scarlett Frye <[email protected]>

To: Ryan Whitlock <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: MS Notes

Ryan,

The bike is so much more than a symbol of Madeline growing up. It’s transportation, freedom from the confines of her situation, but there are also limitations to that freedom because it can only take her so far. It’s about fitting in with her friends who also have bikes but not quite being able to because her bike is secondhand and looks like a boy’s.

I’m, frankly, amazed you didn’t see this while you were reading. Is it possible you’re losing your touch and not your mind?

As far as what else could go, I’ll have to revisit the text and get back to you.

—S

Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but my chest swells with hope that she’s asking a question for the same reason I did: She wants me to respond. That has to be it, otherwise why would she ask something that anyone else would find cutting? It’s so similar to the way we used to tease each other—poking at each other’s insecurities, popping them open until they deflated like balloons and took up less space—that I’m sure this is her intent. She wants to goad me into a reply.

From: Ryan Whitlock <[email protected]>

To: Scarlett Frye <[email protected]>

Subject: Re: MS Notes

You probably won’t believe this, but of course I noticed all of that. I do think several of your other symbols accomplish the same thing, and better. The birds, for example, do this and more while simultaneously creating beautiful imagery. The clouds, too. And don’t forget the songs they sing together at the end. The bike is a wonderful symbol, but the others are gorgeous, rich, and help to create the visuals that really draw the reader in. The bike is…a bike. It’s only in one scene, whereas the others are prevalent throughout, so they’ve been woven into the text more. But I am open to other ideas.

—Ryan