You likely know by now that I tend to turn up my nose at the notion that I deliberately use symbolism, but that might not be entirely so. The other day I as I prodded at Chapter 32, this line gave me pause:

Some small part of the fear I have been carrying dissolves. 

I almost added, "like champagne bubbles under my skin," but thought better of it. The physical sensation that phrase conveys is just about perfect, but champagne is all about celebration and excitement, and in spite of the relief, this moment is also weighed down with apprehension and uncertainty. Not an occasion that prompts most folks to pop open the bubbly. Though the rest of the scene makes it clear that this is no party, it didn't seem helpful to clutter up the mental picture with contradictory associations. So, no champagne-shivers for Olga.

I don't know what you'd call a move like that -- reverse symbolism, maybe? -- but it looks like I can't pretend I'm not aware of this stuff any more.

(Yeah, all that fuss over one lousy word. You see why I'm not done yet?)