Part of Your World, #1
Part of Your World
by Abby Jimenez
Contents
Chapter 19
Overview
Daniel cleans up after the disastrous breakfast when Alexis reveals Hunter is mostly deaf, explaining his behavior. An odd acorn deluge pelts Jessica and Gabby, who choose to eat elsewhere. Daniel worries he’s blown the weekend, but Alexis stays to help, admits she’s never cleaned, and they bond as he teaches her.
Summary
Daniel surveys the wrecked dining room when Alexis returns with Hunter. As Daniel complains about Hunter’s stubbornness, Alexis observes that Hunter is mostly deaf, demonstrated when the dog responds to hand signals but not voice commands. Daniel connects it to Hunter’s past as a hunting dog and feels relief at the explanation.
They trade dry humor about Alexis’s irritated friends. Shrieks outside interrupt them as Jessica and Gabby are pelted by a sudden shower of acorns from the oak trees. The barrage stops as soon as they enter, leaving welts and a lawn littered with acorns. Puzzled, Daniel inspects the scene while Alexis reports the friends will eat at Jane’s and then rent bikes, declining his breakfast.
Daniel worries he has ruined the weekend and failed to impress Alexis. Instead of joining her friends, Alexis chooses to stay, upset with them and wanting to help Daniel clean. She admits she’s never really cleaned or done laundry. Daniel, reassured by her vulnerability, agrees to teach her and invites her to simply be with him, cementing their connection through shared work.
Who Appears
- DanielInnkeeper and mayor; cleans up the disastrous breakfast, learns Hunter is deaf, worries about impressing Alexis, and agrees to teach her to clean.
- AlexisIdentifies Hunter’s deafness, distances herself from critical friends, chooses to stay and help Daniel, admitting she’s never cleaned before.
- HunterDaniel’s dog; revealed to be mostly deaf and responsive to hand signals, explaining previous disobedience.
- JessicaFriend on the trip; pelted by acorns, angry, and decides to eat elsewhere rather than stay for breakfast.
- GabbyFriend on the trip; caught in the acorn deluge, leaves with Jessica to eat at Jane’s.