People Watching

Julia’s art studio is a symbol of the power of one’s innate identity. Prior to being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, Prue’s mother painted in her studio every day, and at the time of the story, the walls of the space are lined with her paintings, a physical representation of how much the disease has taken from her. With Milo’s help, Julia begins painting again, and doing so allows her to feel like herself again for a short time. Since painting is such a critical part of her identity, the disease cannot fully take it from her. Her artistic capacity is stored in many sections of her brain, so Julia is able to focus on her art in a way she cannot focus on other things. Alzheimer’s still plays a role because she does not have the capacity to do art every day, but on the days she does, it offers her the comfort of inhabiting her true self, which gives both her and Prue a respite from how Alzheimer’s has affected their lives.

The studio also highlights the important role that art and Julia have had on Milo’s life, making it the first catalyst for his decision to stay in Baysville. Since Prue’s mother played such an important role in his teen years, being able to paint with her makes Milo feel accepted and allows him to access the innate artist in himself. This also ingratiates him to Prue because she appreciates what his presence does for her mother, leading to a stronger relationship developing between Milo and Prue and developing the theme of The Ripple Effect of Change. The dynamic between these three characters in the studio foreshadows how Milo becomes a permanent fixture in Prue’s life and the role he comes to play as a caregiver for Julia. The studio also allows Milo to open up to Prue and his siblings, ultimately letting him start to deal with his past, because he is bolstered by the resurgence of his true identity. The studio helps both Milo and Julia along their very different journeys, making it a symbol of the power of being in touch with one’s fundamental identity.