The Tattoo as a Promise

After We Collided

Hardin’s new back tattoo turns a literary declaration of permanence into a visible promise, even as Tessa privately considers leaving for Seattle.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Piercings Removed Piercings Removed from "After We Collided". Piercings Removed A change for himself Hardin removes his eyebrow and lip piercings, explaining that they remind him of a period he wants to leave behind.

Piercings Removed from "After We Collided". Piercings Removed A change for himself Hardin removes his eyebrow and lip piercings, explaining that they remind him of a period he wants to leave behind.

Piercings Removed A change for himself Hardin removes his eyebrow and lip piercings, explaining that they remind him of a period he wants to leave behind. Tessa clarifies her love She tells him she does not want him to change his appearance for her, separating self-directed growth from an attempt to earn approval.

A Promise Proposed A Promise Proposed from "After We Collided". A Promise Proposed Hardin considers a name tattoo Hardin jokes, then suggests that he might tattoo Tessa’s name as proof of commitment.

A Promise Proposed from "After We Collided". A Promise Proposed Hardin considers a name tattoo Hardin jokes, then suggests that he might tattoo Tessa’s name as proof of commitment.

A Promise Proposed Hardin considers a name tattoo Hardin jokes, then suggests that he might tattoo Tessa’s name as proof of commitment. Tessa resists grand gestures She finds the idea excessive and asks him to discuss the decision rather than use permanence to settle insecurity.

The Austen Quote The Austen Quote from "After We Collided". The Austen Quote A literary vow Hardin chooses a line from Pride and Prejudice about never wishing to be parted from Tessa.

The Austen Quote from "After We Collided". The Austen Quote A literary vow Hardin chooses a line from Pride and Prejudice about never wishing to be parted from Tessa.

The Austen Quote A literary vow Hardin chooses a line from Pride and Prejudice about never wishing to be parted from Tessa. Symbolic permanence The quote reflects his desire for an unbreakable bond, though Tessa knows that a tattoo cannot replace trust or shared planning.

Tessa Hesitates to Speak Tessa Hesitates to Speak from "After We Collided". Tessa Hesitates to Speak Seattle remains unspoken Tessa wants to discuss the move to Seattle but hesitates as the tattoo begins.

Tessa Hesitates to Speak from "After We Collided". Tessa Hesitates to Speak Seattle remains unspoken Tessa wants to discuss the move to Seattle but hesitates as the tattoo begins.

Tessa Hesitates to Speak Seattle remains unspoken Tessa wants to discuss the move to Seattle but hesitates as the tattoo begins. A private contradiction Hardin is inscribing a promise of permanence while Tessa is withholding a decision that could take her elsewhere. Their symbols and plans do not yet align.

The Father Appears The Father Appears from "After We Collided". The Father Appears A sudden interruption After the tattoo session, Tessa recognizes her estranged father outside the shop.

The Father Appears from "After We Collided". The Father Appears A sudden interruption After the tattoo session, Tessa recognizes her estranged father outside the shop.

The Father Appears A sudden interruption After the tattoo session, Tessa recognizes her estranged father outside the shop. The future breaks open Hardin’s declaration and Tessa’s hidden plans are overtaken by an unexpected family encounter, leaving the story’s central commitments unsettled.

Before Hardin and Tessa’s first official date

After Hardin visits the tattoo shop with Tessa

During the tattoo-shop visit

While the tattoo is being inked

At the end of the book