The Unspeakable Act

As 17-year-old Brooklynite Jackie Kimball navigates the intricate maze of adolescence alongside her widowed mother, her older sister Jeanne, and her 18-year-old brother Matthew, the delicate dynamics within their relationships are on the verge of transformation. Long accustomed to Matthew’s unawareness of her romantic feelings for him, Jackie has found a certain peace in her unreciprocated love. However, with the onset of adulthood—indicated by unmistakable signs of growing up—this idyllic childhood existence is threatened.

In spring 2011, Matthew makes a bold move by acquiring his first girlfriend, Yolanda. As their relationship grows, Jackie, though initially enthusiastic during family dinners, hides her inner chaos beneath a mask of conviviality. Behind closed doors, though, she struggles to muster even the most basic appetite, with her body protesting against the whirlpool of emotions brewing within her.

As the relationship between Matthew and Yolanda reaches its peak, Jackie seizes a moment in their cherished attic sanctuary to confront her brother. However, she is met with his steadfast dedication to giving Yolanda a chance, a revelation that weighs heavily on Jackie’s heart as she faces the bitter truth that her feelings for Matthew go unreciprocated.

The unexpected breakup between Matthew and Yolanda sends ripples of upheaval through the Kimball household, ultimately freeing Jackie from the self-imposed emotional prison she had built. In a twist of fate, Matthew invites her to join him at a concert; this is a chance Jackie eagerly embraces. As they share a sun-drenched summer together, their connection deepens, and for a brief moment, Jackie dares to dream that her brother might finally see her as more than just a sister.

With the seasons shifting and college looming, Jackie’s joy begins to fade. The prospect of being separated from Matthew plunges her into uncertainty, triggering her mother to express concern and refer her to psychotherapy sessions with Linda. In those sessions, Jackie finally discovers some reprieve by sharing her long-guarded secret, unburdening herself from the weight that has defined her existence.

Meanwhile, Jackie’s life takes an unexpected turn as she explores her first sexual encounter with Tristan, a striking classmate. Unfazed, she shares this new chapter with Matthew, who responds with warm congratulations, signaling a tentative step toward mutual understanding and acceptance.

As summer draws to a close, infused with unrequited longing, Jackie stands at a crossroads. With Tristan re-entering the picture, she opts to distance herself from him, seeking instead the comfort of Matthew’s (again) temporary return. In the dusty attic room— a sanctuary where secrets are often whispered and truths come to light—a late-night dialogue unfolds between Jackie and Matthew. Initially resistant to Jackie’s probing questions, Matthew impulsively lashes out at her perceived boldness, leaving Jackie with a sense of resignation as she comes to terms with her one-sided affection for him.

Encouraged by Linda’s gentle guidance, Jackie embarks on a path of self-discovery, confronting the often-painful realities of her emotional climate. As she navigates the uncertainty of her future, Jackie boldly decides to apply to a different college than Matthew’s, seeking peace in the realm of psychology—an academic pursuit rooted in the very experiences that have influenced her life thus far.

Last Updated: November 17, 2024 at 18:07