Before We Were Yours

When May slips the bracelet off of Avery’s wrist without her knowing, it becomes the catalyst for their intense connection. The bracelet is a symbol of connection, though that connection isn’t explained in full until the end of the book when the photograph of Sisters’ Day is discovered and May informs them all of the dragonflies are symbols of the lost siblings—of Gabion, Camellia, and Shad, the twin of Grandma Judy taken away just after birth. The dragonfly bracelet is in fact more important to Avery than the engagement ring given to her by Elliot. She forgets to wear the engagement ring, a convenient oversight that allows her to hold Trent’s hand at the end and begin their romantic relationship. But the moment she is without the dragonfly bracelet, she notices. It is an heirloom, one that is potent even before she knows the full depth of its meaning.

The river is the home of the Foss children, the real home that they feel compelled to return to in life or in their dreams. When Rill needs to dissociate from her pain and sadness, she returns to the music and sounds of the river in her mind.