Unspoken Love and Friendship

The story opens with the narrator, who is deeply in love with her best friend, Levi Coldwell. Their friendship is rooted in shared grief over the loss of their fathers, which has bonded them over four years of high school. They support each other through academic challenges and personal losses, forming a seemingly unbreakable bond. However, beneath this friendship, the narrator harbors unspoken romantic feelings for Levi, fearing that revealing them might ruin their friendship. As graduation approaches, the weight of her unconfessed love becomes increasingly difficult to bear.

A Yearning Heart's Dilemma

The narrator's world is turned upside down when she sees Levi kissing another girl, Jennifer O'Brien, after his return from a family trip. This unexpected sight leaves her heartbroken and confused, as she grapples with the depth of her feelings for Levi. Although she has seen him date other girls before, witnessing a kiss feels like a betrayal, igniting a storm of emotions she struggles to contain. The narrator is left questioning her place in Levi's life and whether she should confess her feelings before they part ways for college.

The Prom Night Revelation

As senior prom approaches, the narrator resolves to confess her feelings to Levi. She meticulously prepares for the night, hoping to find the courage to tell him the truth. However, the fear of rejection and the potential loss of their friendship loom large. At the prom, she finds herself overwhelmed by emotions and the pressure of the moment. Her anxiety peaks when she sees Levi, and she retreats to gather her thoughts, only to be found by him, leading to a moment of vulnerability and connection.

A Confession Deferred

In a quiet hallway, away from the prom's chaos, Levi finds the narrator in tears. His concern and gentle touch offer comfort, yet the narrator is unable to voice her true feelings. The moment is charged with unspoken words and emotions, as Levi's presence both soothes and intensifies her inner turmoil. Despite the closeness, the narrator's fear of losing him keeps her from confessing, and the night ends with her heart still burdened by unexpressed love.

The Weight of Unrequited Love

The aftermath of prom leaves the narrator and Levi in a state of awkwardness and unspoken tension. The narrator's inability to confess her feelings creates a rift, as she struggles with the weight of her unrequited love. Levi, unaware of the true cause of her distress, remains a supportive friend, yet the narrator feels increasingly isolated by her secret. As graduation looms, the fear of losing Levi forever becomes a pressing reality, forcing her to confront her emotions.

A Friendship Rekindled

Years later, the narrator and Levi cross paths again, reigniting the friendship that once meant everything to them. The passage of time has not diminished her feelings, but the narrator is determined to maintain the facade of friendship. As they reconnect, the old dynamics resurface, bringing both comfort and the familiar ache of unspoken love. The narrator is caught between the joy of having Levi back in her life and the pain of knowing her feelings remain unreturned.

The Dance of Pretend

In a twist of fate, the narrator and Levi agree to pretend to be a couple for a family event, a ruse to help Levi secure a job. This charade forces them into close proximity, blurring the lines between reality and pretense. The narrator finds herself living out her dreams of being with Levi, yet the knowledge that it's all an act weighs heavily on her heart. As they navigate this dance of pretend, the narrator is left wondering if Levi might ever see her as more than just a friend.

Unexpected Reunion Sparks Tension

The narrator finds herself at a social event where she unexpectedly reunites with Levi. Their interaction is charged with unspoken emotions, especially when Levi's presence stirs jealousy in Ethan, a colleague of the narrator. Levi's protective nature surfaces when he sees the narrator with Ethan, leading to a tense confrontation. This encounter highlights the unresolved feelings between the narrator and Levi, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship.

Confessions and Misunderstandings

The narrator, overwhelmed by her emotions, confesses her love for Levi, only to be met with confusion. Levi, unaware of the depth of her feelings, misinterprets her words, leading to a painful misunderstanding. This moment echoes their past, where unspoken words and assumptions created a rift between them. The narrator's vulnerability is laid bare, and Levi's reaction reveals his own internal conflict, as he grapples with the possibility of losing her again.

A Dance of Emotions

During a dance class, the narrator and Levi are forced into close proximity, reigniting the chemistry between them. As they move together, the physical closeness blurs the lines between pretense and reality. Levi's gentle guidance and the narrator's trust in him create a moment of intimacy that neither can ignore. This dance becomes a metaphor for their relationship, a delicate balance of unspoken desires and the fear of crossing boundaries.

Secrets and Revelations

The narrator discovers Levi's poetry book, "Picking Daisies on Sundays," which reveals his long-held feelings for her. Each poem is a testament to his love, capturing moments and emotions he never dared to express. This revelation forces the narrator to confront her own assumptions and fears, realizing that Levi's love for her has been as deep and enduring as her own. The discovery of the book becomes a turning point, offering a chance for reconciliation and understanding.

A New Beginning in Paris

With the truth of their feelings finally out in the open, the narrator and Levi face a new chapter in their lives. Levi's decision to join the narrator in Paris marks a commitment to their relationship and a willingness to embrace the unknown together. As they prepare for this new adventure, the narrator reflects on the journey that brought them here, filled with hope and excitement for the future. Their love, once burdened by silence and distance, now blossoms with the promise of a shared life.

Characters

Narrator

The narrator is a young woman deeply in love with her best friend, Levi. Her character is defined by her internal struggle between maintaining their friendship and confessing her true feelings. She is introspective, sensitive, and often caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Her love for Levi is both her greatest joy and her deepest sorrow, as she navigates the complexities of unrequited love.

Levi Coldwell

Levi is the narrator's best friend, unaware of her romantic feelings for him. He is compassionate, supportive, and shares a deep bond with the narrator due to their shared experiences of loss. Levi's character is marked by his loyalty and kindness, yet his obliviousness to the narrator's feelings creates an unintentional tension in their relationship. His actions often blur the lines between friendship and something more, leaving the narrator hopeful yet heartbroken.

Jennifer O'Brien

Jennifer is the girl Levi kisses upon returning from a family trip, sparking the narrator's jealousy and heartache. Her presence in the story serves as a reminder of the narrator's unspoken feelings and the potential threat to her friendship with Levi. Jennifer's role is pivotal in pushing the narrator to confront her emotions and consider confessing her love.

Trish Coldwell

Trish is Levi's mother, who shares a close relationship with the narrator. Her character embodies warmth and acceptance, often providing a sense of family and belonging to the narrator. Trish's approval and affection for the narrator add another layer of complexity to the narrator's feelings, as she grapples with the fear of losing not just Levi, but the family she has come to cherish.

Sarah Coldwell

Sarah is Levi's sister, who plays a supportive role in the story. Her character is a source of encouragement and understanding for both Levi and the narrator. Sarah's presence highlights the familial bonds that the narrator values, and her interactions with Levi often provide insight into his character and motivations.

Gabe

Gabe is a friend of the narrator, offering advice and support throughout her emotional journey. His character provides a grounding presence, often challenging the narrator to confront her feelings and consider the consequences of her actions. Gabe's perspective serves as a counterbalance to the narrator's emotional turmoil, offering a rational viewpoint on her situation.

Jia

Jia is another close friend of the narrator, providing a listening ear and unwavering support. Her character is empathetic and understanding, often encouraging the narrator to be honest with herself and Levi. Jia's friendship is a source of strength for the narrator, helping her navigate the complexities of her emotions and relationships.

Ethan

Ethan is a colleague of the narrator, whose presence stirs jealousy and tension. His interactions with the narrator highlight the unresolved emotions between her and Levi, serving as a catalyst for their eventual confrontation and reconciliation.

Bella

Bella is a figure from Levi's past, whose presence serves as a reminder of the misunderstandings that once separated the narrator and Levi. Her role in the story underscores the importance of communication and the dangers of assumptions in relationships.

Plot Devices

Unspoken Love

The central plot device in the story is the narrator's unspoken love for Levi. This unrequited love drives the narrative, influencing the narrator's actions and decisions. The tension between maintaining their friendship and confessing her feelings creates a constant internal conflict, shaping the story's emotional landscape.

Pretend Relationship

The decision to pretend to be a couple for a family event serves as a pivotal plot device, forcing the narrator and Levi into close proximity and blurring the lines between reality and pretense. This charade heightens the emotional stakes, as the narrator grapples with the joy of living out her dreams and the pain of knowing it's all an act.

Shared Grief

The shared experience of losing their fathers is a significant plot device that cements the bond between the narrator and Levi. This common ground provides a foundation for their friendship, yet also serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities that underpin their relationship. The theme of grief and healing is woven throughout the narrative, influencing the characters' interactions and growth.

Poetry Book

Levi's poetry book, "Picking Daisies on Sundays," serves as a pivotal plot device, revealing his long-held love for the narrator. The book's discovery forces both characters to confront their true feelings and offers a path to reconciliation and understanding.

Dance Class

The dance class symbolizes the delicate balance of emotions between the narrator and Levi. Their physical closeness during the dance blurs the lines between pretense and reality, highlighting the unspoken desires and fears that define their relationship.

Analysis

"Picking Daisies on Sundays" by Liana Cincotti is a poignant exploration of unspoken love, friendship, and the complexities of human emotions. The narrative delves into the internal struggles of the narrator as she grapples with her feelings for Levi, highlighting the tension between maintaining a cherished friendship and risking it all for love. The story underscores the importance of communication and the dangers of assumptions, as the characters navigate misunderstandings and unexpressed emotions. Through the use of plot devices such as the pretend relationship and the discovery of Levi's poetry book, the narrative offers a path to reconciliation and understanding. Ultimately, the book is a testament to the power of vulnerability and the courage it takes to embrace one's true feelings, offering readers a heartfelt journey of love and self-discovery.

Last updated: March 7, 2025