Summary

Beginning her third year of college, the protagonist dwelt on her love for Shui Ling, her own sexuality, and mortality. She lamented her separation from those who love her: “Sweeping that other me into their arms, they led me in a dance within societal norms…” (122). Then she admonished herself for her desires: “In my own mind, I was a beast straight out of Greek mythology: a centaur. Like that beast, I’d willingly and madly fallen in love with a woman” (122). She pained at her efforts to ensure separation from everyone around her: “I’d long been tending to their graves—secretly visiting and mourning during the day, going out and erecting a cross on starry nights” (125).

After the narrator crossed paths with Shui Ling biking one day, she started a steadfast pursuit to rekindle their romance. When they broke the silence between them...