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Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.
Water
Water symbolizes solace and security for Belly. While in the swimming pool at the Fishers’ summer house, she feels calm and at peace. Belly has a practice of sneaking down to the pool at night because night swimming helps her relax and fall asleep.
In addition to comfort, Belly gains strength from being in water. She joins the swim team at school because it reminds her of being at Cousins Beach, and it helps her feel connected to the summer during the fall and winter months. When Belly is in the water, she feels most like herself.
Cam’s Hoodie
The hoodie Cam gives Belly comes to symbolize their relationship. At first, the hoodie is very meaningful for Belly: she sleeps in it, wears it often, and even balls it up in her lap like a stuffed animal, indicating her initial infatuation with Cam. As they start dating and their relationship blossoms, Belly tells Cam that she intends to keep his hoodie. However, as their connection begins to cool, Belly wears the hoodie less and less. By the end of the summer, Belly has all but forgotten the sweatshirt, as well as the relationship with Cam. Belly fails to even return his phone calls or say goodbye to her former boyfriend before she leaves Cousins Beach.
