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interpersonal-strain

The forced confinement and stress cause a noticeable cooling in Miles and Rowan's relationship, affecting their intimacy and communication.

1 chapter across 1 book

Mirror Dance (1994)Lois McMaster Bujold

Chapter 28

In this chapter, Miles and Rowan are confined and under surveillance, struggling with stress and strained intimacy while plotting escape. A new character, Lilly Junior—a clone and potential vessel for a brain transplant—is introduced, creating tension and complex interpersonal dynamics. Miles attempts to engage Lilly Junior, leveraging her curiosity and doubts about her destiny to gain an advantage and possibly orchestrate an escape.