Emma and Lissy’s Friendship

Can You Keep a Secret

Emma Corrigan and Lissy learn that long friendship does not guarantee complete understanding, and that trust must include respect for boundaries.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Confidante The Confidante from "Can You Keep a Secret". A Long Friendship Comfort and Trust Lissy is Emma’s closest friend and often provides warmth, advice, and a place to confide.

The Confidante from "Can You Keep a Secret". A Long Friendship Comfort and Trust Lissy is Emma’s closest friend and often provides warmth, advice, and a place to confide.

A Long Friendship Comfort and Trust Lissy is Emma’s closest friend and often provides warmth, advice, and a place to confide. Emma assumes their long history means they know nearly everything about one another. Hidden Corners When Emma insists everyone has secrets, Lissy denies having any. Their exchange hints that both protect parts of themselves even inside an intimate friendship.

The Dance Secret The Dance Secret from "Can You Keep a Secret". A Private Practice Misreading Emma hears thumping from Lissy’s room and imagines that Lissy is hiding a sexual relationship.

The Dance Secret from "Can You Keep a Secret". A Private Practice Misreading Emma hears thumping from Lissy’s room and imagines that Lissy is hiding a sexual relationship.

A Private Practice Misreading Emma hears thumping from Lissy’s room and imagines that Lissy is hiding a sexual relationship. The suspicion grows because Lissy is evasive about what she is doing. Vulnerability Revealed Emma opens the door and discovers Lissy rehearsing with Jean-Paul in a dance group. Lissy admits she hid the activity because she feared Emma would laugh at her.

Understanding After Exposure Understanding After Exposure from "Can You Keep a Secret". Embarrassment and Support A Secret Misread Lissy initially assumes Emma’s dream about her means Emma has romantic feelings for her.

Understanding After Exposure from "Can You Keep a Secret". Embarrassment and Support A Secret Misread Lissy initially assumes Emma’s dream about her means Emma has romantic feelings for her.

Embarrassment and Support A Secret Misread Lissy initially assumes Emma’s dream about her means Emma has romantic feelings for her. Emma explains that it was simply a dream, while both struggle through awkward questions. Friendship Holds Despite public embarrassment and mutual misunderstandings, Lissy comforts Emma and remains present. Their bond proves more resilient than Emma’s fear that disclosure has permanently ruined it.

Early in the story, after Emma’s flight

Midway through the story, at the flat on Ellerwood Road

After Jack’s interview airs