# Goodbye explained — Wired Love

> Chapter companion for Wired Love by Ella Cheever Thayer.

## What happens

Nattie, devastated after meeting C in person and finding him repulsive, confides in Cyn while Quimby listens with relief. She attempts to sever ties with C over the wire, but after a week of silence, C sends a final goodbye message, announcing his departure. Nattie responds coldly, but feels a deep sense of loss for the companionship they once shared.

## Themes in this chapter

### Illusion vs. Reality in Relationships

Nattie's romantic fantasy of C shatters upon meeting him in person, highlighting the gap between online persona and real-life identity.

### Miscommunication and Misunderstanding

Nattie's refusal to explain her disgust leads to confusion and hurt for C, who remains unaware of the reason for her coldness.

### Ambition and Discontent

Nattie's dissatisfaction with her office routine grows after the loss of C's companionship, making her work feel monotonous and confining.

## Character check-ins

### Nathalie Rogers

Devastated after meeting C in person, she tears up the Cupid sketch and confides in Cyn. She struggles with her feelings of disgust and loss, and eventually rebuffs C's attempts at reconciliation, saying a final goodbye.

### Quimby

Visits Cyn and overhears Nattie's account of C's true appearance, which fills him with joy and hope. He tries to remind Nattie that he had warned her.

### Cyn

Listens sympathetically to Nattie's story, expresses dismay at C's true nature, and consoles Nattie, though she too had been interested in the invisible C.

### Betsey Kling

Notices Nattie's long face and takes grim satisfaction in her unhappiness, disapproving of Nattie seeking out Cyn to confide.

### Mr. C.

Revealed to be a red-haired, greasy, cheap-jewelry-wearing man who disgusts Nattie. He tries to rekindle their friendship over the wire, but after being rebuffed, he sends a final goodbye message and leaves town.

## Key lines

> Imagination is too dangerous a guide for me!

Nattie decides that relying on fantasy is harmful and vows to only trust what she knows for certain about people.

_After her disillusionment with C, Nattie rejects the power of imagination in forming relationships._

> Where ignorance is bliss, ’tis folly to be wise.

Nattie quotes the proverb, suggesting that knowing the unpleasant truth about C has only brought her pain.

_She regrets learning the reality of C's appearance, preferring the earlier romantic ignorance._

> Goodbye. Believe me, I shall always remember the many social talks we have enjoyed.

Nattie bids C farewell, acknowledging the pleasant conversations they shared despite her disappointment.

_She tries to end the relationship politely, but her coldness reflects her true feelings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wired_love_se/chapters/vii-goodbye
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wired_love_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/wired_love_se/chapters