The hidden tear

An original fiction passage set in the nineteenth century.

Louise thanked her aunt for the news. Her cousin would be travelling to London, taking the place she had hoped to win. She asked sensible questions about departure times and luggage, keeping her voice bright. Beneath the table, she pressed one thumb hard into the other palm. The small pain gave her something manageable to think about.

When tea ended, she offered to wash the cups. At the sink she turned her face towards the window, where the evening light hid her reflection. One tear fell into the water. She waited until the ripples disappeared before lifting the next cup. Her aunt came to stand beside her and began drying without asking any questions. Louise moved the cloth so that there was room for them both.

Analyse how the writer uses language and structure to show how Louise tries to conceal her disappointment. Support your answer with references to the passage.