Story 5: On Monday of Last Week


On today's story review of The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, we're looking at story 5 titled On Monday of Last Week.

This story was a quiet one, but it left me thinking.

It follows Kamara, who recently moved to America to reunite with her husband after six years apart. Only, when she finally gets there, things don't quite feel the way she imagined. While waiting for her green card, she takes up a babysitting job and meets Josh, an adorable four year old, his overly anxious father Neil, and Tracy, Josh's artist mother.

Now, Tracy fascinated me.

The first time she really spoke to Kamara, it was with so much warmth and attention that Kamara couldn't help but feel special. And honestly, I understood it. There are some people who make you feel seen in a way you haven't felt in a long time.

As the story went on, I found myself wondering if Kamara's feelings toward Tracy were admiration, a crush, or a little bit of both.

Then came the moment that hit me the hardest. Neil introduces Josh's French tutor to Tracy, and Tracy says the exact same thing she once said to Kamara: "Have you ever considered being an artist's model?"

And just like that, the illusion cracks.

What this story made me think about is what happens when we've been starved of affection, attention, or connection for so long that the smallest bit of it feels extraordinary. Kamara wasn't just drawn to Tracy, she was drawn to how Tracy made her feel, Seen!

Nothing dramatic happens in this story, it was just ordinary moments that quietly change the way Kamara sees herself and her life.

A subtle story, but a beautiful one.
So tell me, have you ever mistaken feeling seen for being special to someone?


Alright bye, that's all for today's story review. See you tomorrow for story 6.




@favvy_Okwansđź–¤.

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