“Beauty,” Tom says through the smoke, “is a mystery, Belle. A spell. Some have it for real like the sun.” He smiles at me. “Or like this rose right here.” He takes the rose and tucks it behind my ear. “And you can have it for a while. You can bloom and bloom. But Beauty also disappears. Just like that.”
In this quote, Tom is imparting a profound lesson to Belle about the nature of Beauty. He characterizes Beauty as enigmatic and enchanting, comparing it to a spell that some people possess genuinely, akin to the radiance of the sun. By using the metaphor of a rose, Tom emphasizes that Beauty can be bestowed upon someone for a limited time, allowing them to flourish and thrive much like a blooming flower. However, Tom also underscores the ephemeral aspect of Beauty, stating that it can vanish suddenly just as a rose eventually withers and loses its luster. This lesson carries a deeper message about the transience of physical attractiveness and the significance of valuing inner qualities and character over external appearances.
“Everyone’s Journey is different. Very perilous. Personal,” I whisper. “So what works for me may not work for you and so forth.”
In this quote, Mirabelle is expressing a concept that appears to be central to her thoughts and worldview. By using the term "Journey," Mira refers to the various paths and experiences that individuals go through in life, suggesting that each person's journey is distinct and fraught with challenges and trials. Mirabelle conveys the idea that what works for one person may not work for another because everyone's life is shaped by their individual circumstances, choices, and struggles. This quote highlights the complexity of human experiences and the importance of understanding and respecting the diversity of personal journeys.
“But it does look like she spent it all.” He shrugs, stirs his coffee. It happens. People take out a loan for one thing, then spend it on other stuff.”
Chaz is addressing Belle's astonishment and dismay upon learning about the massive loans her mother had taken out. Chaz's response reflects a certain nonchalance and worldliness, suggesting that he's seen similar situations before. He implies that it's not uncommon for people to obtain loans with specific purposes in mind but then succumb to the temptation of using the borrowed funds for different, often frivolous expenses. This quote underscores the financial irresponsibility of Belle's mother who not only took out substantial loans but also spent the money on something other than the intended purpose which in this case was supposedly window renovation.
“I mean, we all have our dark days. Very dark days, sometimes. When our demons come out to play. No one lives entirely in the light, right?”
Tad is speaking to Mirabelle and trying to console her amidst her evident distress. He expresses the universal human experience of having difficult days when inner struggles and negative emotions surface. Tad acknowledges that no one is immune to such challenges; everyone faces their own demons from time to time. This statement carries a message of empathy and understanding, emphasizing that moments of darkness are a natural part of life and should not be seen as unusual or shameful.