The narrator, Emily, recounts her childhood memories of playing in the woods with her older sister, Rose. As they grew older, Rose became distant, and Emily struggled to understand why. It was later revealed that Rose had a crush on their friend Ethan, but he rejected her because he was gay. However, this was a lie, and Ethan was not gay. Rose's behavior was actually a result of her feeling neglected and unappreciated by their parents after Emily's near-death accident in the woods.
Years later, Rose returns home, and Emily is shocked to discover that Rose plans to sell their family's property, including the woods, to develop commercial properties. Emily is devastated and tries to convince Rose not to go through with the plan, but Rose is determined. In a heart-to-heart conversation, Rose reveals that she feels underappreciated and overlooked by their parents, and this business deal is her way of seeking validation.
Emily tries to make amends with Rose, and they finally reconcile. Rose decides not to sell the property, and the sisters are reunited. The story concludes with Emily and Rose watching the sunset together, symbolizing their renewed bond and appreciation for each other and the woods that hold so many fond memories for them.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Emily, grew up in Michigan with her older sister Rose and their parents.
2. Emily's parents were successful real estate investors.
3. Emily and Rose spent most of their time playing in the woods at the edge of their property.
4. In the spring, a creek would fill up with water, and the sisters would play on a rope bridge they built.
5. A boy named Ethan, who was a year older than Emily and a year younger than Rose, would sometimes join their games.
6. Emily was protective of Rose and would often defend her.
7. As they got older, Rose began spending more time on her own, and a gap opened between the sisters.
8. One day, Emily fell off the rope bridge and into the creek, breaking her arm and getting a minor concussion.
9. Ethan saved Emily from the creek.
10. Emily's parents were attentive to her during her recovery, but Rose was strangely absent.
11. Emily eventually returned to school and had to wear a cast and then a sling for her broken arm.
12. Ethan helped Emily with her schoolwork and supplies during this time.
13. Rose ignored Emily and Ethan, and Emily discovered that Rose had a secret: she had asked Ethan out, but he had rejected her because he was gay (or so Rose claimed).
14. Emily confronted Rose about her behavior, and Rose revealed that she was hurt by Ethan's rejection and needed space.
15. Emily gave Rose space, but eventually, Rose left for college, and the sisters lost touch.
16. Emily went to a college close to home and studied Environmental Studies, using the woods as her research lab.
17. Ethan would visit Emily, and they would catch up in the woods.
18. One fall evening, Ethan told Emily that he liked her, and they shared a kiss under an ancient sycamore tree.
19. Rose returned home for a visit and presented a business opportunity to their parents: buying the property and clearing the woods to build commercial properties.
20. Emily was upset by the idea and argued with Rose and their parents about the environmental impact and the destruction of their childhood memories.
21. Rose revealed that she had felt unappreciated and unnoticed by their parents after Emily's accident and that she had always felt responsible for Emily's safety.
22. Emily apologized for not understanding Rose's feelings, and the sisters reconciled.