Out with the Old

Via watches Miranda and Ella launch into a new, popular crowd and decides to cut ties rather than endure forced lunches and exclusion. To avoid awkward encounters, Via spends a week eating in the library, where she immerses herself in reading.

During this period, Via finishes War and Peace and is struck by its sweeping romances, wishing one day to be loved as deeply as Prince Andrei loved Natasha. This reading fuels her sense of longing and sets a personal benchmark for love.

Via reconnects with Eleanor, an old acquaintance from PS 22, discovering Eleanor’s wit and finding that Eleanor never liked Miranda and Ella. Through Eleanor, Via joins the smart-kids lunch table, a larger, diverse group that includes techies, yearbook and debate students, and Eleanor’s boyfriend, Kevin.

Among them, Via meets Justin, a quiet violinist with small round glasses, and feels an instant crush. The new circle offers Via belonging without the social posturing she left behind.

When Via passes Miranda and Ella, they exchange brief greetings, with Miranda occasionally asking about August and sending regards. Via does not relay these messages, not out of spite, but because August feels distant at home and their paths often do not cross, underscoring Via’s growing life apart from her old friendships and family routine.