Crash Into Darkness

Tessa Dickinson's life shatters in an instant when a drunk driver's truck slams into her grandmother's car. She wakes up in a world of darkness—her sight gone, her mind haunted by the crash. The doctors say her blindness is temporary, but the uncertainty and trauma leave her isolated, angry, and blaming herself for the accident. Her once-bright world is now a prison of guilt and fear, and she pushes away everyone who tries to help, convinced that no one can understand the depth of her loss.

The Unwanted Helper

Tessa's grandparents, desperate to help her reconnect with her passion for poetry, place an ad for a typist. The ad is retracted, but not before Weston Ludovico, the newspaper owner's son, sees it. Driven by his own hidden wounds, Weston shows up at Tessa's door, offering to help her write again. Tessa, raw and defensive, lashes out, refusing his help and resenting his optimism. But Weston is as stubborn as she is, and he returns, determined to break through her walls.

Stubborn Hearts Collide

Weston and Tessa's early encounters are a battle of wills. Tessa tries to drive him away with anger and impossible dictation, but Weston refuses to be intimidated. Their mutual stubbornness becomes a strange form of connection. Slowly, Tessa's anger gives way to exhaustion, and she allows Weston to type her poetry. Their relationship, born in conflict, begins to shift as they challenge and annoy each other into reluctant cooperation.

Flowers and Friction

Weston brings Tessa flowers—not to be seen, but to be smelled. He insists she use her other senses, pushing her to experience beauty beyond sight. Tessa, at first irritated, finds herself laughing for the first time since the accident. The flowers become a symbol of Weston's unconventional kindness, and Tessa's world, though still dark, starts to feel less empty. Their banter turns playful, and a fragile friendship emerges.

Smell the Sunlight

Weston's daily gifts of flowers fill Tessa's room with fragrance, each bouquet a lesson in noticing the world differently. Tessa learns to identify lilies, carnations, and sunflowers by scent and touch. The sunlight she once only saw, she now feels and smells. Through these small acts, Weston teaches her that beauty is not limited to what can be seen, and Tessa's anger begins to thaw into curiosity and gratitude.

Writing Through Shadows

With Weston's help, Tessa returns to her poetry blog, dictating verses that reflect her pain and gradual healing. Weston types her words, reads her comments, and helps her reconnect with her online friends. The act of writing becomes a lifeline, a way for Tessa to process her trauma and reclaim her voice. Their creative partnership deepens their bond, and Tessa starts to see Weston as more than just an assistant.

Weston's Hidden Scars

Weston's relentless optimism hides a devastating truth: he lost both legs to a rare infection after a childhood accident. His journey through pain, rehabilitation, and self-doubt mirrors Tessa's struggle. He knows what it means to lose everything and to fight for a new normal. Weston's refusal to let Tessa know about his disability is both self-protection and a gift—he wants her to see him as a whole person, not a tragedy.

Taste of Normalcy

Weston makes Tessa waffles, and the simple act of sharing breakfast becomes a moment of normalcy and intimacy. They talk about their families, homeschooling, and the things they miss. Tessa's world expands beyond her room as she tastes, smells, and hears life again. Weston's presence becomes a comfort, and their conversations grow deeper, touching on fears, dreams, and the possibility of hope.

Hearing the World Anew

Weston brings his ukulele and plays music for Tessa, teaching her to listen to the world with new ears. He takes her outside, guiding her through the sounds of birds, rivers, and city life. Tessa's fear of the outside world is slowly replaced by wonder as she learns to navigate by sound and touch. Their adventures—sometimes reckless, always transformative—help Tessa rediscover joy and agency.

Touching Without Seeing

As Tessa's confidence grows, so does her connection with Weston. They hold hands, share laughter, and begin to trust each other with their vulnerabilities. Tessa learns to "see" Weston through touch, tracing his face and hands, building a mental image of the boy who has become her anchor. Their relationship deepens into something tender and electric, culminating in a first kiss that is both exhilarating and terrifying.

The Polaroid Memories

Weston buys a Polaroid camera and takes photos of their adventures, promising Tessa she'll see them when her sight returns. The camera becomes a symbol of hope and faith in the future. Each picture—of flowers, parks, laughter, and Tessa herself—captures a piece of the world she's learning to experience anew. The anticipation of seeing these memories sustains her through setbacks and doubts.

Fear and First Kisses

Tessa and Weston's friendship blossoms into love, but both are haunted by fear. Tessa fears losing Weston when she regains her sight; Weston fears being rejected when she learns the truth about his legs. Their first kiss is a moment of pure connection, but it is followed by Weston's sudden withdrawal. The secret he's kept becomes a wall between them, and both are left aching and confused.

Silence and Separation

Weston, overwhelmed by insecurity and shame, stops answering Tessa's calls. Tessa, devastated by his silence, tries desperately to reach him. Both are trapped by their own pain—Tessa believing she's been abandoned, Weston convinced he's unworthy of her love. Their separation is marked by longing, regret, and the fear that their connection was only possible in darkness.

Sight Returns, Hearts Break

Tessa's sight begins to return, slowly and painfully. The world is bright and overwhelming, but her joy is tempered by Weston's absence. She finds the Polaroids he left for her, each one a testament to their shared journey. Seeing Weston's face for the first time, she is filled with love and determination—not to let him slip away, no matter what secrets he holds.

Facing the Truth

Tessa tracks Weston down, refusing to let his fear dictate their future. She demands honesty, and Weston finally reveals his disability. The moment is raw and vulnerable—both are terrified, but neither runs away. Tessa sees Weston fully for the first time, not as a victim or a hero, but as the boy she loves, whole and imperfect.

Seeing Each Other Whole

With the truth laid bare, Tessa and Weston begin to heal—not just from their physical wounds, but from the deeper scars of shame, guilt, and fear. They learn that love is not about fixing each other, but about seeing and accepting each other completely. Their relationship, forged in darkness, survives the return of light.

Love Beyond the Light

Tessa and Weston step into a new chapter, no longer defined by what they've lost, but by what they've found in each other. They embrace the messiness of life, the unpredictability of the future, and the power of love to transform pain into beauty. Their story is not about overcoming disability, but about choosing hope, connection, and sunlight—again and again.

Sunlight After the Storm

The novel closes with Tessa and Weston together, facing the world with open hearts. They have learned that sunlight is not just what you see, but what you feel, taste, hear, and touch. Their journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the healing power of love, even after the darkest storms.

Characters

Tessa Dickinson

Tessa is a sixteen-year-old poet and blogger whose life is upended by sudden, temporary blindness after a car accident. Initially, she is consumed by guilt, anger, and self-pity, pushing away everyone who tries to help. Her psychological journey is one of moving from isolation and despair to vulnerability and openness. Through her relationship with Weston, she learns to experience the world through her other senses, to trust, and to love again. Tessa's development is marked by her struggle to accept help, her rediscovery of creativity, and her ultimate courage in facing both her fears and the truth about Weston. Her arc is about reclaiming agency and learning that her worth is not defined by her abilities or her trauma.

Weston Ludovico

Weston is Tessa's persistent helper, a boy whose relentless cheerfulness masks deep scars. After losing both legs to a rare infection as a child, Weston has rebuilt his life through sheer willpower, humor, and stubbornness. He refuses to let his disability define him, but he also fears rejection and pity. His decision to hide his prosthetic legs from Tessa is both self-protective and a way to offer her a relationship untainted by sympathy. Weston's psychological complexity lies in his simultaneous strength and vulnerability—he is both a mentor and a boy desperate to be seen and loved for who he is. His journey is about learning to trust, to be honest, and to accept love without conditions.

Grandma (Mrs. Dickinson)

Tessa's grandmother is her primary caregiver and emotional anchor. She is patient, loving, and quietly determined to help Tessa heal, even when it means making difficult decisions—like placing the ad for a typist. She serves as a bridge between Tessa and the world, offering both practical support and emotional wisdom. Her relationship with Tessa is marked by tough love, gentle encouragement, and a deep understanding of her granddaughter's pain.

Grandpa (Mr. Dickinson)

Tessa's grandfather is a pastor and a man of deep faith. He provides spiritual comfort and stability, praying with Tessa and offering her the language of hope and resilience. His optimism is realistic, grounded in experience, and he encourages Tessa to let go of self-blame and embrace the possibility of healing. He is a model of patience and unconditional love.

Rudy Kaufmann

Weston's best friend, Rudy, is a steady presence throughout Weston's journey. He is the first to see through Weston's bravado and the one who pushes him to be honest with himself and with Tessa. Rudy's role is that of confidant, challenger, and occasional comic relief. His unwavering support and willingness to call Weston out on his avoidance are crucial to Weston's growth.

Henry Ludovico

Weston's younger brother, Henry, is deeply affected by Weston's accident and recovery. He is quiet, observant, and carries his own guilt for not speaking up sooner about Weston's injuries. Their relationship is one of mutual healing, as they learn to support each other through vulnerability and honesty.

Tessa's Blogging Squad (Liv, Allison, Maria, Gracie, Raquel, Kate)

Tessa's online friends provide her with a sense of community and normalcy. They are her cheerleaders, confidantes, and sources of advice. Their group chats offer comic relief, emotional support, and a reminder that connection can transcend physical limitations. They also serve as a mirror, reflecting Tessa's growth and helping her process her feelings for Weston.

Tessa's Mother

Tessa's mother lives in another city and is largely absent from her life. Her absence is a source of pain and insecurity for Tessa, reinforcing her feelings of abandonment and unworthiness. The contrast between her mother's distance and her grandparents' devotion highlights the importance of chosen family.

Clara Hernandez

Weston's former crush and friend, Clara represents the life Weston left behind after his accident. Their relationship is amicable but ultimately a reminder that Weston's identity has changed. Clara's presence in the story underscores the theme of letting go and embracing new beginnings.

Neil Ferguson

A minor but memorable character, Neil is the school bully who mocks Weston's disability. He serves as a foil, highlighting the ignorance and cruelty that people with disabilities often face. His presence in the story is a catalyst for Weston's defiant humor and resilience.

Plot Devices

Dual Narrative Structure

The novel is told in alternating first-person chapters from Tessa and Weston's points of view. This structure allows readers to experience both characters' internal struggles, misunderstandings, and growth. The dual narrative creates dramatic irony—readers know Weston's secret long before Tessa does—and heightens emotional investment in their journeys. It also underscores the theme that everyone has hidden battles, and that true connection requires seeing beyond the surface.

Sensory Exploration as Healing

Tessa's temporary blindness is not just a plot device but a catalyst for exploring the world through smell, taste, hearing, and touch. Weston's insistence on engaging her other senses becomes a metaphor for resilience and adaptation. The progression through the senses mirrors Tessa's psychological healing, moving from numbness to full engagement with life. This device also allows for rich, immersive descriptions and moments of intimacy.

Symbolism of Sunlight and Flowers

Sunlight recurs as a symbol of hope, beauty, and the possibility of redemption. Flowers, brought by Weston, represent both the beauty that can be experienced without sight and the gradual return of color to Tessa's world. The Polaroid camera, capturing moments for future sight, becomes a symbol of faith in healing and the importance of memory.

Hidden Disability and Dramatic Irony

Weston's decision to hide his prosthetic legs from Tessa creates dramatic irony and emotional tension. Readers understand the stakes of his secret and the pain it causes both characters. The eventual revelation is a test of love and acceptance, challenging both Tessa and Weston to confront their deepest fears.

Foreshadowing and Parallel Journeys

Weston's backstory is revealed gradually, paralleling Tessa's journey through trauma and recovery. Their mirrored experiences—loss, anger, adaptation, and hope—underscore the novel's central message: everyone has invisible wounds, and healing is possible through connection and courage.

Analysis

100 Days of Sunlight is a contemporary YA novel that uses the lens of temporary disability to explore universal themes of loss, adaptation, and the transformative power of love. At its core, the book is about learning to see—not just with the eyes, but with the heart, mind, and all the senses. Through Tessa and Weston's intertwined journeys, the story challenges the notion that suffering is a solitary experience or that healing is a return to the past. Instead, it posits that true healing comes from embracing vulnerability, accepting help, and daring to love and be loved in return. The novel's dual narrative structure, sensory focus, and use of symbolism invite readers to consider how we define ourselves and others—not by what we lack, but by how we choose to engage with the world. The ultimate lesson is that sunlight—hope, beauty, connection—is always available, even in the darkest times, if we are willing to open every door.

Last updated: April 28, 2025