Mercy's Studio

Mercy's art studio is a symbol of independence. Almost as soon as her last child, David, leaves home for college, Mercy starts gradually moving out of her house and into the studio. Her children's departures from home offer Mercy the opportunity to reinvent herself. As a wife and mother, the entirety of her life has been defined by her responsibilities to others. The studio, however, gives her the space and solitude she wants in order to make her own decisions and develop her personal craft.

Cat

Mr. Mott's cat, Desmond, is a symbol of companionship. When Mr. Mott first asks Mercy to care for the cat, she is reluctant. However, she agrees to help him, because she knows he is in need. Over the weeks and months following, she takes care of the cat and grows accustomed to his presence. Yet as soon as Mr...