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Aza and Davis's Different Needs

Turtles All the Way Down

This flow traces how Aza and Davis find emotional closeness but cannot make their differing needs for physical intimacy fit together.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
A Quiet ReconnectionA Quiet Reconnection from "Turtles All the Way Down". A Quiet Reconnection The comfort of recognition Aza Holmes and Davis Pickett meet again after years apart and recover small memories from childhood.
A Quiet Reconnection The comfort of recognition Aza Holmes and Davis Pickett meet again after years apart and recover small memories from childhood. Their awkwardness sits beside a natural familiarity. Different pressures Davis is lonely and suspicious of motives; Aza is drawn to him but uncertain how to act in a romance.
The Reward QuestionThe Reward Question from "Turtles All the Way Down". The Reward Question Trust becomes uncertain Davis Pickett realizes that Aza Holmes knows about the night-vision photograph and asks whether she wants the…
The Reward Question Trust becomes uncertain Davis Pickett realizes that Aza Holmes knows about the night-vision photograph and asks whether she wants the reward. Aza promises not to give it to police, though she is not fully sure what she wants. Money enters intimacy The possibility that affection and financial interest are mixed makes vulnerability harder for both of them.
The First Kiss InterruptedThe First Kiss Interrupted from "Turtles All the Way Down". The First Kiss Interrupted Desire and intrusive fear Aza Holmes kisses Davis Pickett but becomes overwhelmed by thoughts about exchanged microbes.
The First Kiss Interrupted Desire and intrusive fear Aza Holmes kisses Davis Pickett but becomes overwhelmed by thoughts about exchanged microbes. She leaves to search online and perform cleansing rituals. A kind response cannot stop the spiral Davis does not blame her, but Aza fears that her illness will make intimacy impossible.
Distance Works for a WhileDistance Works for a While from "Turtles All the Way Down". Distance Works for a While A less threatening closeness Aza Holmes and Davis Pickett build a relationship through messages and video calls.
Distance Works for a While A less threatening closeness Aza Holmes and Davis Pickett build a relationship through messages and video calls. They find companionship without making every meeting a test of physical intimacy. A temporary balance Their arrangement offers real comfort but does not resolve the difference in what each needs from a partner.
The Breakup ConversationThe Breakup Conversation from "Turtles All the Way Down". The Breakup Conversation Aza names her limits Aza tells Davis that the distance between them may be what her recovery looks like, not a short pause before…
The Breakup Conversation Aza names her limits Aza tells Davis that the distance between them may be what her recovery looks like, not a short pause before normal romance. Davis says he needs to be liked close up. Separation without a villain They care about each other, but neither can honestly promise the intimacy the other is asking for.
Early September, at the Pickett pool
Late September, during the night walk
Late September, during a clear night on the golf course
October, during repeated texts and video calls
After Aza's return to school, at Applebee’s