Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Reflective, Romantic, Sweet
- Read it if
- You enjoy LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories about self-discovery, first love, and artistic ambition, especially in a summer camp or theater setting.
- Skip it if
- You prefer plots with high stakes, complex mysteries, or a fast-paced, action-driven narrative.
Look Both Ways Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Arrival at Allerdale Playhouse
Brooklyn Shepard, the daughter of famous Broadway performers, arrives at the Allerdale Playhouse for a summer acting program. She wants to escape her family's shadow and prove her own talent, away from the constant comparisons and expectations. She is assigned a roommate, Zoe, a free-spirited and confident girl who immediately makes an impression on Brooklyn. Their initial interactions are friendly, with Zoe's easygoing nature contrasting with Brooklyn's more reserved demeanor. Brooklyn feels a sense of freedom she's never experienced before, excited by the prospect of a summer focused solely on her passion for theater and self-discovery, without the pressure of her family's legacy.
Early Friendships and Artistic Challenges
Brooklyn quickly forms a bond with Zoe, finding her easy to talk to and share secrets with. They also become friendly with other apprentices, including the charming Noah, and the more serious Liam. The program is rigorous, with intense acting classes, rehearsals, and technical work. Brooklyn struggles initially with some of the exercises, feeling pressure to excel, especially in improvisation, which doesn't come naturally to her. She observes Zoe's natural talent and confidence on stage, often feeling envy but also admiration for her roommate's uninhibited approach to acting. This period includes both the excitement of new connections and the anxieties of artistic performance.
Growing Feelings for Zoe
As the summer progresses, Brooklyn's friendship with Zoe deepens. They spend most of their free time together, sharing meals, late-night conversations, and exploring the small town. Brooklyn finds herself increasingly drawn to Zoe's energy, quick wit, and genuine warmth. She starts to notice Zoe in a different light, feeling a flutter when Zoe touches her arm or looks at her intently. These new, unfamiliar feelings confuse Brooklyn, who has only ever considered herself attracted to boys. She tries to rationalize them as intense friendship, but the pull towards Zoe becomes undeniable, creating internal conflict and a sense of wonder.
First Kiss and Confusion
One evening, after a particularly intense rehearsal and a late-night chat in their room, the unspoken tension between Brooklyn and Zoe leads to a kiss. It is unexpected, passionate, and leaves Brooklyn breathless. The kiss is everything she didn't know she wanted, confirming the depth of her feelings for Zoe. However, immediately after, confusion and fear wash over her. She questions what this means for her identity, her future, and her understanding of herself. The experience is exhilarating and terrifying, forcing Brooklyn to confront her assumptions about her sexuality and her place in the world, far from her family.
Navigating New Territory
Following the kiss, Brooklyn and Zoe's relationship enters a new, complex phase. They continue to spend time together, but there is an unspoken tension and a delicate dance around their newfound intimacy. Brooklyn struggles internally with accepting her feelings for Zoe, wondering if this is just a phase or a genuine shift in her identity. She confides in Zoe about her confusion, and Zoe, while understanding, also expresses her own clear feelings and desire for a deeper relationship. Brooklyn feels pressure to define herself and her feelings, fearing judgment and the unknown, while also being undeniably drawn to the happiness and connection she feels with Zoe.
Family Visit and External Pressures
Brooklyn's famous parents, Eleanor and Richard Shepard, visit Allerdale Playhouse. While she loves them, their presence brings back the familiar pressure of their expectations and the constant comparisons to their careers. They ask about her progress and subtly push her towards a more traditional path in theater. Brooklyn feels renewed unease about her developing relationship with Zoe, fearing her parents' reaction if they were to find out. She tries to keep her interactions with Zoe discreet during their visit, highlighting her internal conflict between her desire for independence and the ingrained need for her family's approval.
Noah's Interest and Brooklyn's Distraction
Noah, a fellow apprentice, begins to show more explicit romantic interest in Brooklyn. He is charming, talented, and represents a more conventional romantic path, which, in a way, offers Brooklyn a temporary break from the intensity of her feelings for Zoe. She agrees to spend time with him, even going on a date, partly to confirm her 'normalcy' and partly because she genuinely enjoys his company. However, her heart is not fully in it, and she finds herself constantly comparing her interactions with Noah to her connection with Zoe. This dalliance further complicates her self-discovery and causes some strain in her relationship with Zoe, who notices Brooklyn's wavering.
Confrontation and Clarity
The tension between Brooklyn and Zoe escalates, leading to a difficult conversation. Zoe, hurt and frustrated by Brooklyn's indecision and her interactions with Noah, confronts Brooklyn about her wavering commitment. She expresses her feelings clearly and asks where Brooklyn stands. This confrontation is a turning point for Brooklyn, forcing her to stop hiding from her true emotions. She realizes that her attempts to fit into preconceived notions of herself are causing pain to both her and Zoe. This direct challenge pushes Brooklyn towards a moment of clarity, where she begins to accept the depth of her feelings for Zoe and the truth of her own identity.
Embracing Her Truth
After the confrontation, Brooklyn makes the difficult but liberating decision to fully embrace her feelings for Zoe. She ends things with Noah, realizing that her heart is not with him and that she has been using him as a distraction. She apologizes to Zoe, explaining her fears and confusion, and reaffirms her love and commitment. This moment marks a significant turning point in Brooklyn's personal growth. She stops trying to fit into external expectations and instead chooses to honor her authentic self, accepting her sexuality and the love she shares with Zoe. This decision brings her a sense of peace and genuine happiness she hadn't experienced before.
The Showcase Performance
The summer program culminates in a final showcase performance for friends, family, and industry professionals. Brooklyn, now more confident and self-assured, channels her personal journey into her performance. She delivers a powerful and authentic portrayal, drawing on her experiences of self-discovery and love. Her performance is met with genuine applause, and she feels a strong sense of accomplishment, not just as an actress, but as an individual who has found her voice. Her parents are present and express their pride, seeing a new depth in her work, though the full extent of her personal journey remains her own secret for now.
Looking Towards the Future
As the summer draws to a close, Brooklyn and Zoe discuss their future. They acknowledge the challenges of distance once they return to their respective homes but commit to making their relationship work. They share intimate moments, making plans for visits and continuing their connection. Brooklyn feels excitement and optimism for what lies ahead, both in her artistic career and her personal life with Zoe. She has not only found love but has also discovered a deeper understanding of herself and her capabilities, ready to face the world with a newfound sense of authenticity and courage, no longer defined by her family's legacy alone.
Principal Figures
Brooklyn Shepard
Protagonist
A talented but self-doubting aspiring actress from a famous family.
Brooklyn is the protagonist, initially defined by her desire to escape the shadow of her Broadway star parents. She's passionate about acting but struggles with self-doubt and the pressure to live up to her family's legacy. She's observant, thoughtful, and somewhat reserved, often overthinking her choices. Her journey at Allerdale is one of profound self-discovery, where she confronts her identity, sexuality, and artistic voice. She is driven by a need for authenticity and personal validation, separate from her family's fame.
Relationships: Zoe (Romantic partner, best friend, catalyst for self-discovery); Eleanor Shepard (Mother, famous actress, source of both inspiration and pressure); Richard Shepard (Father, famous actor, supportive but also a source of family expectations); Noah (Brief romantic interest, a distraction from her feelings for Zoe); Liam (Fellow apprentice, supportive friend)
Zoe
Supporting/Love Interest
Brooklyn's confident, free-spirited, and openly queer roommate and romantic interest.
Zoe is Brooklyn's roommate and eventual romantic partner. She is depicted as confident, outgoing, and comfortable in her own skin, both as an actress and as an individual. She possesses a natural charisma and an uninhibited approach to life and art. Zoe is openly queer and brings a sense of acceptance and understanding to Brooklyn's confusing journey of self-discovery. She is a loyal friend and a patient, yet firm, love interest, pushing Brooklyn to confront her true feelings. Her energy and authenticity are magnetic.
Relationships: Brooklyn Shepard (Romantic partner, best friend, object of her affection); Noah (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance); Liam (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance)
Noah
Supporting
A charming fellow apprentice who briefly pursues Brooklyn.
Noah is another apprentice at Allerdale, depicted as charming, friendly, and talented. He develops a romantic interest in Brooklyn, offering a more 'conventional' romantic option that briefly distracts Brooklyn from her growing feelings for Zoe. He is generally kind and well-meaning, but his role primarily serves to highlight Brooklyn's internal conflict and her struggle to accept her true desires. He's a good person, but not the right person for Brooklyn's journey of self-discovery.
Relationships: Brooklyn Shepard (Brief romantic interest); Zoe (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance); Liam (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance)
Eleanor Shepard
Supporting/Mentioned
Brooklyn's famous Broadway actress mother.
Eleanor Shepard is Brooklyn's mother, a celebrated Broadway actress. She is loving and supportive but also carries the weight of her own fame and the expectations that come with it. She means well but inadvertently puts pressure on Brooklyn to follow a similar path and maintain the family's legacy. Her occasional visits and phone calls remind Brooklyn of the world she's trying to define herself apart from, yet also provide a connection to her artistic roots.
Relationships: Brooklyn Shepard (Mother-daughter relationship, complex with love and pressure); Richard Shepard (Husband, co-parent, fellow famous actor)
Richard Shepard
Supporting/Mentioned
Brooklyn's famous Broadway actor father.
Richard Shepard is Brooklyn's father, also a renowned Broadway actor. Similar to Eleanor, he is supportive of Brooklyn's aspirations but embodies the family's theatrical legacy that Brooklyn is trying to both honor and distinguish herself from. He represents the established world Brooklyn is both drawn to and trying to escape. His presence, though limited, reinforces the theme of family expectations and the search for individual identity within a famous lineage.
Relationships: Brooklyn Shepard (Father-daughter relationship, complex with love and pressure); Eleanor Shepard (Wife, co-parent, fellow famous actor)
Liam
Supporting
A serious and focused fellow apprentice.
Liam is one of Brooklyn's fellow apprentices at Allerdale. He is portrayed as serious, dedicated, and highly focused on his craft. He often provides a grounding presence among the more dramatic personalities of the other apprentices. While not as central to Brooklyn's emotional journey as Zoe or Noah, he represents the shared experience of the apprenticeship and offers a different perspective on artistic dedication. He is a supportive, if sometimes quiet, friend.
Relationships: Brooklyn Shepard (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance); Zoe (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance); Noah (Fellow apprentice, friendly acquaintance)
Themes & Insights
Identity and Self-Discovery
The main theme is Brooklyn's journey to define herself, separate from her famous family's legacy. She grapples with who she is as an artist, questioning whether she can forge her own path or if she is destined to follow in her parents' footsteps. Her relationship with Zoe forces her to confront and accept her sexual identity, moving from confusion and fear to self-acceptance. This theme is evident in her initial desire to attend Allerdale anonymously and her internal struggles after kissing Zoe, ultimately leading to her embracing her true self by the end of the summer.
“Maybe I wasn’t just my parents’ daughter, or just an actress. Maybe I was just… me.”
First Love and Sexuality
This theme explores the intensity and confusion of first love, especially in the context of discovering one's sexuality. Brooklyn initially believes she is attracted to boys, making her developing feelings for Zoe a challenging revelation. The story sensitively portrays her internal conflict, fear of the unknown, and the exhilaration of falling in love for the first time with someone who helps her understand a new part of herself. The progression from friendship to romance with Zoe, and Brooklyn's struggle to accept it, is the emotional core of the narrative.
“It wasn't just friendship anymore, if it ever had been. It was something bigger, something that scared me and thrilled me all at once.”
Artistic Expression and Authenticity
The program at Allerdale is a backdrop for Brooklyn to explore her artistic identity. She initially struggles with improvisation and finding her unique voice, often feeling overshadowed by her parents' talent and the more uninhibited style of peers like Zoe. As she comes to terms with her personal identity and embraces her feelings for Zoe, her artistic expression also deepens and becomes more authentic. Her final showcase performance reflects her personal growth, showing how self-acceptance and emotional honesty can fuel powerful art.
“The stage wasn't just a place to pretend anymore. It was a place to be real.”
Family Expectations vs. Individual Desires
Brooklyn comes from a family of celebrated Broadway stars, and much of her initial motivation stems from a desire to escape their shadow and prove herself independently. While she loves her parents, their fame and the expectations that come with it create pressure. This theme is explored through her initial anonymity at Allerdale, her internal conflict about her parents' visits, and her ultimate decision to pursue a life and love that might not fit their preconceived notions. The story highlights the tension between familial loyalty and the need for personal autonomy.
“Being a Shepard meant something. It meant talent, yes, but it also meant a path already laid out, and I wasn't sure I wanted to walk it.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Apprenticeship Setting (Allerdale Playhouse)
A contained environment for intense personal and artistic growth.
The Allerdale Playhouse apprenticeship serves as a classic 'fish out of water' setting for Brooklyn, isolating her from her familiar life and family pressures. This intense, competitive, and communal environment forces her into close proximity with new people, particularly Zoe, and accelerates her self-discovery. The demanding schedule and artistic challenges push her out of her comfort zone, while the shared experience fosters deep bonds, making it an ideal crucible for both romantic and personal development.
The Dual Role of Acting
A metaphor for identity and a means of self-expression.
Acting functions on multiple levels. Initially, it's Brooklyn's passion and her attempt to forge her own identity, separate from her famous parents. However, it also becomes a metaphor for the 'roles' she tries to play in her personal life, particularly in her confusion about her sexuality. As she grows, acting transforms into a powerful tool for authentic self-expression, allowing her to channel her newfound understanding of herself into her performances, demonstrating a deeper connection between her art and her true identity.
The 'First Kiss' Trope
A pivotal moment that catalyzes profound internal conflict and self-realization.
The first kiss between Brooklyn and Zoe is a classic romantic trope, but it serves a more profound purpose here. It's not just a romantic milestone but a catalyst for Brooklyn's sexual awakening and identity crisis. This single event shatters her preconceived notions of herself and forces her to confront her true feelings and attractions, driving the central conflict of her journey. The emotional weight of this moment sets the course for the rest of her summer of self-discovery.
Look Both Ways Quotes
“Love isn't something you find. Love is something you build.”
“Sometimes the most important things are the ones you don't see coming.”
“You can't live your life looking in the rearview mirror.”
“Being brave doesn't mean you aren't scared. It means you do it anyway.”
“The best stories are the ones you live, not just read.”
“It's okay to not have all the answers. Sometimes the journey is the point.”
“Home isn't a place, it's a feeling. It's where you're truly yourself.”
“Maybe we're all just trying to find the right person to get lost with.”
“Don't wait for permission to be happy.”
“Every goodbye is a new hello, if you're brave enough to look for it.”
“Sometimes the quiet moments are the loudest.”
“The heart has its own compass, and it rarely points where you expect.”
“You can't edit your past, but you can write your future.”
“Life is full of forks in the road. The trick is to enjoy the journey, whichever path you choose.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is Brooklyn Shepard's main goal in attending the acting apprenticeship at Allerdale Playhouse?
- To escape her family's fame and start a new life.
- To prove she can succeed as an artist independently of her famous family.
- To find love and romance away from the city.
- To get a leading role in a major play.
Show answer
B. To prove she can succeed as an artist independently of her famous family. Brooklyn's primary motivation is to establish her own artistic identity and prove her talent without relying on her family's superstar status.
Question 2
Who is Brooklyn's roommate at the Allerdale Playhouse?
- Chloe
- Zara
- Zoe
- Maya
Show answer
C. Zoe The book explicitly states that Brooklyn immediately hits it off with her roommate, Zoe, and their friendship soon develops into something more.
Question 3
What major personal question does Brooklyn begin to explore while at Allerdale?
- Her career path in finance.
- Her preference for urban versus rural living.
- Her sexuality.
- Her ability to cook.
Show answer
C. Her sexuality. As her feelings for Zoe intensify, Brooklyn begins to question her sexuality, among other things, as she navigates her new relationship.
Question 4
What kind of family does Brooklyn come from?
- A family of renowned scientists.
- A family of superstar performers.
- A family of successful entrepreneurs.
- A family of acclaimed athletes.
Show answer
B. A family of superstar performers. The synopsis states that Brooklyn's family consists of 'superstar performers,' which is why she wants to carve out a niche all her own.
Question 5
What is the initial nature of Brooklyn and Zoe's relationship?
- They are rivals for a role.
- They are distant acquaintances.
- They become immediate friends.
- They have a professional mentor-mentee relationship.
Show answer
C. They become immediate friends. The text states, 'Brooklyn immediately hits it off with her roommate, Zoe, and soon their friendship turns into something more,' indicating an initial strong friendship.
Question 6
What specific type of program is Brooklyn attending?
- A summer camp for general arts.
- An acting apprenticeship.
- A writing workshop.
- A dance intensive.
Show answer
B. An acting apprenticeship. The first sentence of the description explicitly mentions 'Her acting apprenticeship at the Allerdale Playhouse'.
Question 7
Beyond her sexuality, what other significant aspects of her identity does Brooklyn re-evaluate during her summer at Allerdale?
- Her political beliefs and dietary choices.
- Her role as an artist and her place in her family.
- Her academic major and preferred genre of music.
- Her fashion sense and social media presence.
Show answer
B. Her role as an artist and her place in her family. The synopsis states, 'As she questions her sexuality, her role as an artist, and her place in her family, Brooklyn discovers that neither talent nor love are as straightforward as she thinks.'
Question 8
What is the primary setting for Brooklyn's summer experience?
- A bustling metropolitan theater district.
- A remote wilderness retreat.
- The Allerdale Playhouse, away from the city.
- Her family's private estate.
Show answer
C. The Allerdale Playhouse, away from the city. The story begins with 'A summer away from the city is the beginning of everything for Brooklyn Shepard. Her acting apprenticeship at the Allerdale Playhouse...' clearly indicating the primary setting.
Question 9
What overarching discovery does Brooklyn make about talent and love by the end of her summer experience?
- They are simple and easy to acquire.
- They are unrelated to personal growth.
- They are neither talent nor love are as straightforward as she thinks.
- They are only accessible to those with famous families.
Show answer
C. They are neither talent nor love are as straightforward as she thinks. The final sentence of the synopsis explicitly states this: 'Brooklyn discovers that neither talent nor love are as straightforward as she thinks.'
Question 10
How does Brooklyn initially view herself in terms of openness to people and experiences?
- She sees herself as someone who is closed off and reserved.
- She wants to see herself as someone who’s open to everything and everyone.
- She believes she is selectively open only to other performers.
- She perceives herself as overly cautious and skeptical.
Show answer
B. She wants to see herself as someone who’s open to everything and everyone. The text states, 'Brooklyn wants to see herself as someone who’s open to everything and everyone, but as her feelings for Zoe intensify, so do her doubts.' This indicates her desired self-perception.
Look Both Ways FAQ
What is the primary setting for Brooklyn Shepard's summer adventure?
Brooklyn Shepard spends her summer at the Allerdale Playhouse, an acting apprenticeship program. This remote location offers her a chance to step away from her famous family and explore her own identity, both artistically and personally, without their influence.
Who is Zoe, and what is her initial relationship with Brooklyn?
Zoe is Brooklyn's assigned roommate at the Allerdale Playhouse. Their relationship quickly develops from a strong friendship into a deeper romantic connection, which becomes a central focus of Brooklyn's self-discovery throughout the summer.
What internal conflict does Brooklyn face regarding her feelings for Zoe?
As Brooklyn's feelings for Zoe grow, she begins to question her sexuality and her preconceived notions about herself. This internal struggle is rooted in her desire to be open-minded while grappling with the unexpected nature of her attraction to another girl.
How does Brooklyn's family background influence her journey at Allerdale?
Brooklyn comes from a family of superstar performers, which puts immense pressure on her to follow in their footsteps. Her time at Allerdale is a deliberate attempt to carve out her own artistic identity and prove her worth outside of her family's shadow.
What are the main themes explored in 'Look Both Ways'?
'Look Both Ways' explores themes of self-discovery, first love, artistic identity, navigating family expectations, and questioning one's sexuality. It delves into the complexities of finding your own path while embracing unexpected connections.
Are there any subtle hints about Brooklyn's potential bisexuality or pansexuality before she meets Zoe?
The narrative subtly suggests Brooklyn's openness, perhaps through her desire to see herself as 'open to everything and everyone.' While not explicitly stated prior to meeting Zoe, her internal monologue reflects a readiness to explore beyond conventional expectations, which foreshadows her later emotional journey.
Does the book imply any specific reasons why Brooklyn chose an acting apprenticeship over other artistic pursuits?
Choosing acting likely reflects her family's performing arts background, making it a familiar path, yet the 'apprenticeship' aspect suggests a desire for a more hands-on, less glamorous, and perhaps more authentic experience than her family's 'superstar' status implies. It's a way to engage with her heritage on her own terms.
Are there any characters at Allerdale who serve as a foil to Brooklyn's internal struggles?
Other apprentices or instructors at Allerdale might unintentionally highlight Brooklyn's internal conflict. For instance, a confident, openly queer character could make Brooklyn's hesitation more pronounced, or a highly focused, career-driven peer might contrast with Brooklyn's emotional turmoil.
How does Brooklyn's desire to 'carve out a niche all her own' conflict with her blossoming feelings for Zoe?
Brooklyn's desire for an independent identity initially focuses on her artistry, separate from her family. Her feelings for Zoe introduce a new, unexpected dimension to her identity, forcing her to integrate her personal growth and sexual orientation into her evolving self-perception, which can feel both liberating and challenging.
What psychological impact does 'not knowing anything about her or her family' have on Brooklyn at Allerdale?
This anonymity provides Brooklyn with a safe space to genuinely explore who she is without the pre-judgment or expectations tied to her famous family name. It reduces performance anxiety related to her lineage, allowing her to develop authentic relationships and self-perceptions based purely on her own merits and personality.
How does Brooklyn's artistic journey parallel her personal journey of self-discovery?
Her artistic journey, where she seeks authenticity and her own voice on stage, mirrors her personal journey of self-discovery. Just as she learns to embody different roles and emotions in acting, she also learns to understand and accept the different facets of her own identity, including her sexuality, in real life.
What psychological factors contribute to Brooklyn's 'doubts' as her feelings for Zoe intensify?
Brooklyn's doubts likely stem from societal norms, internalized heteronormativity, fear of the unknown, and perhaps concern about how this new aspect of her identity might be perceived by her family or peers. These doubts are a natural part of questioning one's sexuality for the first time.
Is 'Look Both Ways' primarily a coming-out story, or is it more about broader self-discovery?
While a significant part of the story involves Brooklyn questioning her sexuality and her feelings for Zoe, it is arguably more a broader self-discovery narrative. Her journey encompasses artistic identity, family dynamics, and personal independence, with her sexual awakening being a crucial, but not sole, component of her overall growth.
How does the title 'Look Both Ways' relate to Brooklyn's internal conflicts and choices?
The title 'Look Both Ways' metaphorically refers to Brooklyn's need to consider multiple paths and perspectives. This includes looking at her past (family expectations) and future (her own desires), looking at her artistic aspirations and her romantic feelings, and looking at both heterosexual and queer possibilities for her identity, emphasizing her state of indecision and exploration.
Could Brooklyn's initial attraction to Zoe be interpreted as a form of rebellion against her family's structured expectations?
It's possible, but not solely. While her attraction to Zoe certainly breaks from conventional expectations and her family's presumed path, the narrative emphasizes her genuine emotional connection and internal questioning rather than purely rebellious intent. It's more about authentic self-discovery than deliberate defiance.
Does the book suggest that love and talent are 'not as straightforward' due to external pressures or internal complexities?
The book suggests both. External pressures from her family complicate her understanding of talent, as she strives to define it for herself. Internally, the unexpected nature of her feelings for Zoe reveals the complex, non-linear path of love and self-acceptance, highlighting that neither is simple or easily defined.
How does the 'apprenticeship' structure of Allerdale contribute to Brooklyn's learning and growth beyond just acting skills?
The apprenticeship structure, with its focus on hands-on learning and immersion, forces Brooklyn to engage deeply with her craft and her peers. This intense environment fosters not only artistic development but also personal resilience, independence, and the forging of new relationships, all crucial for her self-discovery.
What role does the isolated summer camp setting play in the intensity of Brooklyn and Zoe's relationship?
The isolated setting of Allerdale Playhouse intensifies Brooklyn and Zoe's relationship by removing them from external distractions and familiar social structures. This creates a 'bubble' where their connection can deepen rapidly and without the immediate scrutiny or influence of their everyday lives and families.
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