Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Atmospheric, Mysterious, Romantic, Magical, Melancholy
- Read it if
- You enjoy atmospheric literary fiction with elements of magical realism, family secrets, and a strong focus on a young woman's journey of self-discovery amidst a fantastical world.
- Skip it if
- You prefer fast-paced thrillers or realistic fiction without any magical or supernatural elements.
Of Bees and Mist Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
Meridia's Lonely Childhood and the Arrival of Daniel
Meridia's early life is lonely in her family home in Obscure. Her mother, Elara, is always surrounded by a sad mist, making her distant. Her father, a strict man, forbids Meridia from exploring outside their property. Meridia finds comfort only in stories from the old servant, Mrs. R, and by secretly watching townspeople from her window. Her isolation ends when she meets Daniel, a kind and handsome young man, during a rare trip to the town's festival. They connect right away, giving Meridia a glimpse of a different future.
A Whirlwind Romance and Marriage
Daniel becomes Meridia's escape from her stifling home. Their courtship is a rush of secret meetings and whispered promises, each one deepening their feelings. Daniel, from a well-known and seemingly happy family, offers Meridia the warmth and acceptance she always wanted. Despite her father's initial disapproval and her mother's silence, Meridia is set on marrying Daniel. Their wedding is joyful, a sharp contrast to her gloomy upbringing, and she looks forward to her new life with Daniel and his family, believing she has finally found her place and happiness.
Arrival at the Labyrinthine Home of Daniel's Family
After marrying Daniel, Meridia moves into his family's large and complex house, a place that is both grand and strange. She meets Daniel's parents: his charming but somewhat evasive father, and his mother, a strong woman with an air of mystery. The house is full of relatives and servants, and Meridia quickly notices the family's unusual habits and the subtle hints of unspoken secrets. The family speaks in riddles and talks about prophecies and omens as if they are normal. Meridia, used to her own family's quietness, finds herself in a new world full of lively, yet unsettling, customs.
The Unveiling of Family Secrets and Elara's Past
As Meridia settles into her new life, she starts to understand the strange behaviors and hidden meanings of Daniel's family. She learns about old curses, magic, and a long-standing conflict between powerful families. Slowly, Meridia discovers that her own mother, Elara, was once involved with Daniel's family, and that Elara's sadness is linked to a tragic event involving a prophecy and a choice. The mist around Elara is not just grief but a physical sign of a magical problem, a result of past actions and the family's magical history. This discovery changes Meridia's understanding of her whole life.
Meridia's Growing Magical Abilities
Amidst the family drama, Meridia begins to experience strange things and heightened senses. She realizes she has natural magical abilities, a gift passed down through generations of women in her family, though kept hidden by her father. These powers appear in different ways, from sensing others' emotions to subtly affecting her surroundings. This discovery is both exciting and scary, as it pulls her deeper into Daniel's family's magical world and further explains her own birth and her mother's condition. Meridia must learn to control these growing powers while dealing with the dangers they bring.
The Prophecy and the Looming Threat
A forgotten prophecy comes back, showing that Meridia is important to a coming conflict. The prophecy speaks of a strong darkness that threatens Obscure and beyond, and that Meridia, with her unique family line and growing powers, holds the key to either safety or ruin. This puts a huge burden on her, forcing her to face her fears and accept her fate. Daniel's family, especially the older women, reveal more about the prophecy's details and the old beings involved, urging Meridia to get ready for the inevitable fight and protect those she loves.
The Betrayal and the Test of Love
As the magical threats grow, Meridia uncovers a painful truth about Daniel and his family's part in a past deception that directly affected her mother, Elara. This betrayal, perhaps born of desperation or old duty, breaks Meridia's initial trust and makes her question her husband's love and his family's true motives. She struggles with anger, heartbreak, and confusion, wondering if her marriage was built on lies. This moment is a turning point, forcing Meridia to decide if she can forgive and fight alongside Daniel, or if she must go her own way.
Confronting the Source of the Mist
Driven by love for her mother and a desire for fairness, Meridia focuses on understanding the source of Elara's constant mist. She studies old texts and family stories, guided by Mrs. R's hints and fragmented memories from her relatives. Meridia learns that the mist is a magical prison, a result of a broken promise and a powerful curse. She realizes that freeing her mother is not just about healing, but about correcting an old wrong and ending a cycle of suffering that has affected generations of women in her family. This search becomes deeply connected to the larger prophecy.
The Climactic Battle and Sacrifice
The predicted confrontation arrives, pitting Meridia and her allies against the dark force threatening Obscure. This final battle is a grand display of magic, will, and sacrifice. Meridia, having fully embraced her powers, fights bravely alongside Daniel and other family members. During the battle, a significant sacrifice is made, testing Meridia's courage and compassion. The outcome is uncertain, full of danger and emotional turmoil, as Meridia realizes that true victory may need more than just magic; it demands a deep act of selflessness and an acceptance of destiny.
The Resolution and New Beginnings
After the intense confrontation, the immediate danger is gone, and a fragile peace settles on Obscure. Meridia, though changed by her experiences, is stronger and more self-aware. She finally understands her family's complex history and the deep connections that bind them. Her mother, Elara, is freed from the mist, though healing takes time. Meridia and Daniel's relationship, though tested, finds a new basis of honesty and mutual respect. Meridia accepts her role as a guardian of her family's magic and wisdom, ready to face the future with new clarity and purpose, embracing both the light and shadow of her heritage.
Principal Figures
Meridia
Protagonist
A young woman who discovers her magical heritage and destiny.
Meridia begins as an isolated and naive girl, yearning for love and escape from her silent, grief-stricken home. She is observant and possesses an innate kindness. Her initial desire for a simple, happy life with Daniel gradually transforms as she uncovers her family's magical legacy and her own latent powers. She is driven by a deep love for her mother and a growing sense of responsibility towards her lineage and the town of Obscure. Despite facing betrayal and immense magical threats, Meridia's core strength, resilience, and compassion shine through.
Relationships: Daniel (Husband, initial source of escape and love, later a complex and sometimes deceptive ally.); Elara (Mother, shrouded in mist and grief, Meridia's quest to free her is a central motivation.); Mrs. R (Family servant and confidante, a source of guidance and ancient knowledge.); Meridia's Father (Distant and rigid father, a symbol of the mundane world Meridia escapes from.)
Daniel
Supporting/Love Interest
Meridia's charming husband, whose family harbors deep magical secrets.
Daniel is initially presented as Meridia's Prince Charming, offering her love, warmth, and an escape from her lonely life. He is charismatic, kind, and deeply in love with Meridia. However, he is also burdened by his family's ancient secrets and obligations, which lead him to make difficult and sometimes deceptive choices. His character reflects the complexities of loyalty and the weight of inherited destiny. Despite his flaws, Daniel ultimately strives to protect Meridia and their future, often acting as a bridge between her and his eccentric, magical family.
Relationships: Meridia (Husband, deeply in love but also a source of betrayal and eventual reconciliation.); Daniel's Family (Loyal son, bound by family traditions and secrets.)
Elara
Supporting
Meridia's mother, trapped in a magical mist of sorrow.
Elara is a tragic figure, perpetually enveloped in a mysterious mist that renders her distant, silent, and seemingly lost in grief. Her condition is not merely emotional but a physical manifestation of a powerful magical curse, a consequence of past events and a broken promise. She represents the suffering and sacrifices endured by women in her lineage due to the ancient magical conflicts. Her eventual liberation from the mist is a central goal for Meridia, symbolizing the breaking of generational curses and the healing of old wounds.
Relationships: Meridia (Mother, her suffering motivates Meridia's quest.); Meridia's Father (Husband, their relationship is strained by her condition.)
Mrs. R
Supporting
The wise, elderly family servant and keeper of ancient lore.
Mrs. R is the family's long-serving and observant housekeeper. She acts as a surrogate grandmother figure to Meridia, providing comfort, wisdom, and cryptic hints about the family's magical history. She is a repository of ancient knowledge, prophecies, and folklore, often speaking in riddles but always guiding Meridia towards the truth. Her presence provides a grounding element amidst the magical chaos and serves as a vital link to the past, helping Meridia understand her heritage and prepare for her destiny. She represents tradition and enduring wisdom.
Relationships: Meridia (Confidante, mentor, and surrogate grandmother.); Elara (Loyal caregiver and witness to her suffering.)
Meridia's Father
Supporting
A rigid and controlling man who tries to shield Meridia from her magical heritage.
Meridia's father is a stern, unyielding man who attempts to live a life devoid of magic, despite its pervasive presence in his wife's condition. He enforces strict rules and keeps Meridia isolated, believing he is protecting her from the dangers of their family's magical lineage. His rigidity stems from a deep-seated fear and perhaps a misunderstanding of the magical world. While initially appearing as an antagonist to Meridia's happiness, his actions are ultimately driven by a misguided sense of paternal love and a desire to shield his family from suffering, similar to Elara's own affliction.
Relationships: Meridia (Controlling father, tries to protect her through isolation.); Elara (Husband, deeply affected by her magical condition and his inability to help her.)
Daniel's Mother (Matriarch of his family)
Supporting
A powerful and enigmatic woman who holds many family secrets.
Daniel's mother is a formidable and enigmatic figure, the matriarch of a powerful magical family. She possesses a strong will, a deep understanding of ancient prophecies, and a pragmatic approach to the magical world. She is fiercely protective of her family and their traditions, often appearing stern or manipulative in her efforts to guide Meridia towards her destiny. Her actions, though sometimes seemingly harsh, are driven by a profound sense of responsibility to uphold the balance of their magical world and to protect future generations from ancient threats.
Relationships: Meridia (Mother-in-law, a demanding but ultimately guiding figure.); Daniel (Mother, expects him to uphold family duties.)
The Dark Entity/Antagonist
Antagonist
The ancient magical force threatening Obscure and Meridia's lineage.
This antagonist is not always a singular, corporeal being but rather an ancient, malevolent magical force or entity that has plagued Meridia's lineage and the town of Obscure for generations. It is the source of the curse affecting Elara and the looming threat described in the prophecy. Its motivations are rooted in ancient grievances, a desire for power, or a disruption of the natural order. It embodies the darkness and chaos that Meridia must confront, representing the cumulative weight of past mistakes and unresolved magical conflicts.
Relationships: Meridia (Primary adversary, linked by prophecy and lineage.)
Themes & Insights
The Weight of Family Legacy and Destiny
The novel explores how people are shaped by their family's past, especially through Meridia's journey. She inherits a magical lineage, old curses, and a prophecy that determines her future. Her initial wish to escape her family's sadness leads her directly into another family's complex, magical history, showing that one cannot truly escape their background. The mist around Elara is a physical sign of this legacy's weight, and Meridia's quest to free her mother is also a quest to understand and break old patterns. Daniel's actions are often guided by his family's expectations and secrets, showing how fate can be both a burden and a guide.
“Some legacies are not meant to be forgotten, no matter how much we wish them to be. They cling to us like mist, until we learn to breathe them in.”
Love and Betrayal
Love, in its many forms, is a central theme, but it is often tied to betrayal and sacrifice. Meridia's love for Daniel is her initial escape, but his family's secrets and his own part in past deceptions challenge their relationship's foundation. The novel suggests that love, while strong, is not always simple, and often requires forgiveness and a deeper understanding of complex reasons. The love between Meridia and Elara drives Meridia's most important actions, while past betrayals, perhaps born of need or misguided protection, have long-lasting, painful results.
“Love, like magic, has its own shadows. It can heal, but it can also blind us to the truths we most need to see.”
The Unseen World and Magical Realism
The entire story is steeped in magical realism, blurring the lines between the ordinary and the fantastical. Spirits, spells, prophecies, and magic are not just plot points but an inherent part of Obscure's world. The mist that surrounds Elara, Daniel's family's complex house, and Meridia's growing powers all show how the unseen world greatly affects daily life. This theme emphasizes that there are parts of reality beyond normal sight, and that old forces and mystical elements are deeply woven into existence, shaping destinies and personal experiences.
“In Obscure, the air itself hummed with whispers of what lay beyond the veil, and only the truly blind refused to hear them.”
Identity and Self-Discovery
Meridia's journey is mainly one of self-discovery. Growing up isolated and unaware of her true background, she starts the story with a fragmented sense of self. Her marriage to Daniel and entry into his family's world forces her to confront not only her past but also her own hidden magical abilities. As she uncovers the truth about Elara and the prophecy, Meridia must balance her desire for a normal life with her destiny as a powerful witch. This process involves accepting her unique identity, understanding her place in a larger mystical story, and finding her own strength and voice amidst chaos.
“To truly know oneself is to embrace not just the light within, but the shadows of one's lineage.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
The Mist (around Elara)
A magical, physical manifestation of sorrow and a curse.
The mist enveloping Elara is a powerful symbol and a central plot device. It visually represents her profound grief and isolation, but it is also revealed to be a magical affliction, a physical manifestation of a curse or broken magical promise. It acts as a constant reminder of the family's magical legacy and past tragedies, motivating Meridia's quest to understand and break it. The mist also highlights the pervasive influence of magic on the emotional and physical states of characters, blurring the lines between metaphor and literal reality.
The Prophecy
An ancient foretelling that dictates Meridia's destiny and the story's conflict.
The prophecy serves as a classic narrative device, foreshadowing major events and establishing the overarching conflict. It places Meridia at the center of a cosmic struggle, giving her journey a sense of predetermined purpose. The prophecy not only drives the plot forward by revealing the stakes and the antagonist but also influences the characters' actions and decisions, particularly those of Daniel's family, who are bound by its dictates. It adds an element of fate versus free will to Meridia's personal growth.
Magical Abilities/Lineage
Inherited magical powers that connect characters to their past and shape their future.
The inheritance of magical abilities is a core plot device, explaining Meridia's unique gifts and the unusual nature of Daniel's family. These powers are not random but are tied to specific bloodlines and ancient pacts, making them a direct link to the characters' past and destiny. The development of Meridia's powers is central to her character arc, as she must learn to control and utilize them to confront the story's antagonist. This device grounds the fantasy elements within the family's historical narrative.
The Labyrinthine House
Daniel's family home, a symbol of their complex history and secrets.
Daniel's family home is more than just a setting; it acts as a character in itself and a significant plot device. Its sprawling, eccentric, and labyrinthine nature mirrors the complex, convoluted history and secrets of the family residing within it. Its hidden passages, strange rooms, and peculiar customs reflect the layers of mystery Meridia must unravel. The house embodies the magical realism of the world, suggesting that even physical spaces can hold ancient energies and memories, influencing the characters who inhabit them.
Of Bees and Mist Quotes
“The wind could not be seen, but it could be felt. Like love, it was invisible, but its effects were undeniable.”
“Perhaps all the world was a dream, and we were merely the sleepers within it.”
“There are some things in life that cannot be explained, only experienced. And love is one of them.”
“To forget was not to heal; it was merely to postpone the pain.”
“Every secret held a weight, and the more secrets one carried, the heavier the burden became.”
“Sometimes, the greatest magic lay not in what we could do, but in what we dared to believe.”
“A heart that had loved deeply would always bear the scars, but those scars were also a testament to its capacity.”
“The past was not a cage, but a set of roots. It anchored you, but it didn't have to define your growth.”
“Even in the darkest mist, there was always a path, if only you had the courage to seek it.”
“The most beautiful stories were not always those with happy endings, but those with true ones.”
“To truly see someone was to see beyond their surface, into the intricate tapestry of their soul.”
“Silence could be a language all its own, speaking volumes where words often failed.”
“Perhaps our purpose was not to find answers, but to keep asking the questions.”
“The world was full of wonders, if only you allowed yourself to look closely enough.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
What is the name of Meridia's husband?
- Samuel
- Daniel
- Michael
- Gabriel
Show answer
B. Daniel Meridia falls in love with and marries Daniel, hoping to escape her lonely home.
Question 2
At what age does Meridia fall in love with Daniel?
- Fourteen
- Sixteen
- Eighteen
- Twenty
Show answer
B. Sixteen The synopsis states that Meridia falls in love with Daniel at age sixteen.
Question 3
What kind of supernatural elements are present in the mythical town where the story takes place?
- Vampires and werewolves
- Ghosts and psychics
- Spirits, spells, witchcraft, demons, prophets, and clairvoyance
- Time travel and parallel dimensions
Show answer
C. Spirits, spells, witchcraft, demons, prophets, and clairvoyance The description explicitly mentions spirits, spells, witchcraft, demons, prophets, and clairvoyance as everyday realities in the town.
Question 4
What does Meridia hope to achieve by marrying Daniel?
- To gain wealth and status
- To escape her lonely home
- To start a new business venture
- To travel the world
Show answer
B. To escape her lonely home Meridia marries Daniel to finally escape her lonely home, unaware of the new challenges awaiting her.
Question 5
What is the central conflict Meridia faces after marriage?
- Difficulty adjusting to city life
- Struggling to embrace her life as a young bride while discovering dark family secrets
- A rift between her and Daniel due to an affair
- Financial difficulties impacting her new family
Show answer
B. Struggling to embrace her life as a young bride while discovering dark family secrets Meridia's main struggle is embracing her new life as a bride while uncovering long-kept secrets about her past and shocking truths about Daniel's family.
Question 6
Which of the following emotions are tested in Meridia as she uncovers family secrets?
- Jealousy, envy, and greed
- Ambition, cunning, and ruthlessness
- Love, courage, and sanity
- Indifference, apathy, and resignation
Show answer
C. Love, courage, and sanity The synopsis states that the discoveries push Meridia's love, courage, and sanity to the brink.
Question 7
What generational aspect does the novel chronicle?
- Three generations of men in a single family
- Three generations of women under one family tree
- Two generations of rival families
- Four generations of a royal lineage
Show answer
B. Three generations of women under one family tree The book chronicles 'three generations of women under one family tree,' indicating a focus on a matriarchal line.
Question 8
What is the primary genre of 'Of Bees and Mist' as described?
- Historical Fiction
- Science Fiction
- Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance
- Mystery, Thriller
Show answer
C. Literary Fiction, Fantasy, Romance The provided information explicitly lists the genres as Literary Fiction, Fantasy, and Romance.
Question 9
How does Meridia's perception of her new family change after marriage?
- She finds them to be exactly as charming as she initially believed.
- She discovers they harbor dark mysteries, contrary to her initial expectations.
- She realizes they are more mundane and less interesting than she thought.
- She learns they are incredibly wealthy, which was her main goal.
Show answer
B. She discovers they harbor dark mysteries, contrary to her initial expectations. Meridia initially believes she is escaping to live with her 'charming husband’s family' but is 'unaware that they harbor dark mysteries of their own.'
Question 10
What is the overall tone and experience promised by Erick Setiawan's debut, according to the description?
- A lighthearted and humorous journey of self-discovery.
- A purely intellectual exploration of philosophical concepts.
- A richly atmospheric and tumultuous ride of hope and heartbreak, touching, truthful, and memorable.
- A detached and objective historical account.
Show answer
C. A richly atmospheric and tumultuous ride of hope and heartbreak, touching, truthful, and memorable. The description calls it 'a richly atmospheric and tumultuous ride of hope and heartbreak that is altogether touching, truthful, and memorable.'
Of Bees and Mist FAQ
What is the central conflict Meridia faces after marrying Daniel?
Meridia initially believes marrying Daniel will be her escape from a lonely home, but she soon finds herself entangled in the dark mysteries and long-kept secrets of Daniel's family. Her struggle to adapt to her new life as a bride is compounded by the shocking truths she uncovers about both her new family and her own past, pushing her to the brink.
What role do spirits and magic play in the setting of 'Of Bees and Mist'?
The mythical town where the story is set is imbued with an everyday reality of spirits, spells, witchcraft, demons, prophets, and clairvoyance. These magical elements are not just background but actively influence the characters' lives, the family's secrets, and the challenges Meridia faces, shaping the narrative's unique atmosphere.
How many generations of women are central to the story?
The novel chronicles three generations of women under one family tree, with Meridia being the focal point of the current generation. The narrative delves into the experiences and histories of her predecessors, revealing how their lives and choices have shaped the present circumstances and the secrets Meridia uncovers.
What is Meridia's primary motivation for marrying Daniel?
Meridia's primary motivation for marrying Daniel at age sixteen is to escape her lonely childhood home, seeking a sense of belonging and happiness she believes his charming family will provide. She views the marriage as a gateway to a new, more fulfilling life, unaware of the complexities and dark secrets awaiting her.
What kind of secrets does Meridia discover about her own past?
The book reveals long-kept secrets about Meridia's own past, which are intricately linked to the mysterious circumstances of her birth and upbringing. These revelations often connect to the magical elements of the world and the histories of the women in her family, adding layers to her identity and her understanding of her place in the world.
Are there specific magical artifacts or family heirlooms that hold significance in the story?
While the synopsis doesn't explicitly name specific artifacts, the presence of spells, witchcraft, and clairvoyance strongly suggests that certain objects or family traditions might hold significant power or symbolic meaning. These often serve as conduits for the magical elements or as keys to unlocking family secrets.
How do the 'dark mysteries' of Daniel's family manifest?
The dark mysteries of Daniel's family manifest through a combination of their secretive behavior, the presence of magical influences like spirits and demons, and the historical events that have shaped their lineage. These mysteries often involve hidden powers, past tragedies, or curses that impact their daily lives and Meridia's integration into the family.
Is there a specific prophecy or curse that affects the women in Meridia's family line?
Given the themes of prophets, clairvoyance, and generational struggles, it's highly probable that a specific prophecy or curse influences the women in Meridia's family line. This could be a recurring motif, dictating their fates or presenting unique challenges that Meridia must confront or break.
How does Meridia's initial loneliness impact her perception and decision-making when she meets Daniel?
Meridia's profound loneliness growing up likely makes her more susceptible to Daniel's charm and the promise of a loving family, potentially blinding her to initial warning signs. Her yearning for connection and escape drives her quick decision to marry, setting the stage for her subsequent struggles and discoveries.
What psychological toll do the 'long-kept secrets' and 'shocking truths' take on Meridia?
The 'long-kept secrets' and 'shocking truths' undoubtedly take a severe psychological toll on Meridia, pushing her sanity to the brink. She likely experiences profound confusion, betrayal, fear, and a questioning of her own identity and reality, forcing her to confront deep-seated anxieties and develop resilience.
How does the presence of spirits and demons affect the characters' mental states?
The constant presence of spirits, demons, and other supernatural elements in the mythical town profoundly affects the characters' mental states, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. This can lead to heightened anxiety, paranoia, fear of the unknown, and a constant struggle to discern truth from magical deception, impacting their sanity.
In what ways does Meridia demonstrate courage throughout her ordeal?
Meridia demonstrates courage by confronting the dark mysteries of her new family and her own past, rather than succumbing to fear or denial. Her continued pursuit of truth, despite the psychological strain and potential danger, shows her resilience and determination to understand and navigate her challenging circumstances.
Is Meridia's love for Daniel genuinely reciprocated, or is it complicated by the family's secrets?
Meridia's love for Daniel is undoubtedly complicated by the family's secrets; whether it's genuinely reciprocated remains a central question. Daniel's role in the 'dark mysteries' could imply he is either complicit, a victim, or genuinely unaware, which would profoundly affect the nature and sincerity of his love for Meridia.
How does the 'fable' aspect of the story contribute to its meaning or message?
The 'fable' aspect of 'Of Bees and Mist' suggests that beyond its literal plot, the story carries deeper moral or allegorical meanings about family, identity, or the human condition. It likely uses the fantastical elements to explore universal themes in a symbolic and thought-provoking manner, inviting interpretation.
What is the significance of 'Bees and Mist' in the title?
The title 'Of Bees and Mist' likely holds symbolic significance, with 'bees' potentially representing themes like community, industry, hidden dangers, or a matriarchal structure, while 'mist' could symbolize illusion, obscured truths, the supernatural, or the hazy nature of memory and secrets. Their combination hints at the story's core conflicts and atmosphere.
Does the book offer a definitive resolution to the supernatural elements, or does it leave room for ambiguity?
Given the literary fiction genre and the themes of mystery and interpretation, 'Of Bees and Mist' likely leaves some ambiguity regarding the supernatural elements. While some aspects might be resolved, the pervasive nature of magic and spirits could suggest that complete eradication or full understanding is not the primary goal, but rather living with or adapting to their presence.
How does the 'three generations of women' structure contribute to the overarching narrative themes?
The 'three generations of women' structure allows the narrative to explore themes of inherited trauma, cyclical patterns, the evolution of female strength, and the impact of past decisions on present lives. It highlights how the secrets and magical influences transcend time, shaping the destinies and psychology of each successive generation.
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