P22

 Here are explanations for some of the more difficult words and phrases from the text:

• "quietly rebelled against this idea since childhood": This means that as a child, she didn't openly fight against a certain belief or expectation. Instead, she internally disagreed with it and acted in ways that went against it without making a big fuss. In this case, the idea seems to be about the type of men she was "supposed" to be with.

• "men best described as reckless": The men she dated were impulsive, took risks, and probably didn't think too much about the consequences of their actions. This contrasts with Lon, who is described as responsible and mature.

• "easy ways": Lon's personality and behavior are relaxed, calm, and not complicated. He is probably easy to be around and doesn't cause stress or drama.

• "those terrible periods of the war": This refers to times during a war that were especially difficult, frightening, or sad for her. She was likely experiencing a lot of fear or anxiety.

• "never once turned her away": When she needed comfort or support from Lon during those tough times, he was always there for her. He never rejected her or pushed her away.

• "coincidence had pushed her here": This means that a series of chance events, rather than a deliberate plan, led her to this specific place or situation. She didn't intend to be there; it just happened.

• "if she quit now": In this context, "quitting" means giving up on what she's doing—likely the reason she's there in the first place—and leaving.

• "live with that": She wouldn't be able to cope with or accept the uncertainty of not knowing what would have happened if she had stayed. The thought of always wondering would be too difficult for her.

• "taking off her gold earrings as she crossed the room": This is a specific action that shows she's beginning to get comfortable and prepare for a bath. It suggests she's shedding the "outside world" and relaxing.

• "eyes like ocean waves": This is a simile, a comparison using "like." It means her eyes have a color or quality that resembles the sea. They might be a shifting blue or green color, or they might have a captivating, deep quality.

• "stepped in gingerly": She got into the bath carefully and tentatively, probably because the water was hot or she was trying not to make a splash.

• "a mental note to find the names of some other stores": She made a silent reminder to herself to look up more store names later.

• "something tangible": This refers to something real, physical, and able to be touched. In this case, it means the items she bought during her shopping trip. She needs to return with proof of her trip.

• "Lon wasn't the type to check up on her": This means Lon is a trusting person and wouldn't be suspicious or try to find out what she was doing or where she was.