LOVE IN THE AIR

 Summary

Chapter One is the introductory chapter meant to orient the reader to the three main characters (Jeff, Emily, and Douglass), and the three main supporting characters (Cheryl, Greg, and Larry), and the logistical set-up: description of the two main houses and proximity between them. Everyone is connected by commonalities, hence the title of the chapter Love in the Air. Relationships are defined.

When readers immediately see a typical struggle of Emily’s Autism, where difficulty managing her emotional responses has lead her to a sleepy withdrawal state, and throughout the chapter see a non-autistic Douglass similarly fumbling with his emotions, the stage is set; the story begins to unfold.

Jeff has chosen Douglass to take care of Emily during an upcoming trip he must take to Chicago.

Characters Presented

Emily Hensen: main female character, autistic, age 28

Douglass Kendrick: main male character, the ‘I’ of the novel, age 40

Jeff Hensen: Emily’s doting older brother, age 39

Larry Hadina: Emily’s occupational therapist and Greg’s domestic partner, age 45

Greg Lobsty: Emily’s physical therapist and Larry’s domestic partner, age 55