Credence - Penelope Douglas PDF Download

Credence follows Tiernan, a young woman navigating a complicated relationship with her guardians after a family tragedy. Set against a backdrop of emotional turmoil and desire, the novel explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity. Penelope Douglas, a bestselling author known for her captivating storytelling, delves into the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of youth. This contemporary romance is perfect for fans of New Adult fiction who enjoy intense emotional journeys and character-driven narratives. Readers can expect a blend of romance and drama that challenges societal norms and personal boundaries.

Key Points

Explores Tiernan’s emotional journey after a family tragedy and her complex relationships with her guardians.
Delves into themes of love, loss, and the quest for personal identity in a contemporary setting.
Written by bestselling author Penelope Douglas, known for her engaging New Adult fiction.
Features a blend of romance and drama that pushes the boundaries of societal expectations.

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Tiernan

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It’s strange. The tire swing in the yard is the only thing that

makes it look like a kid lives here. There were never any

drawings in the house. None on the fridge or walls. No

children’s books on the shelves. No shoes by the front door

or ﬂoaties in the pool.

It’s a couple’s home. Not a family’s.

I stare out the window, watching the tire sway back and

forth in the breeze as it hangs from the oak, and absently

rub the red ribbon in my hair between my ﬁngers, feeling

the comfort of the smooth surface.

He always had time to push her on the swing, didn’t he?

He had time for her.

And she for him.

Walkie talkies shoot oﬀ beeps and white noise

somewhere behind me while footfalls hit the stairs and

doors slam above me. The police and paramedics are busy

upstairs, but they’ll want to talk to me soon, I’m sure.

I swallow, but I don’t blink.

I’d thought the tire swing was for me when he installed it

ten years ago. I was allowed to play on it, but my mother

was the one who really loved it. I used to watch them out

my bedroom window late at night, my father pushing her

and the magic of their play and laughter making me want to

be in the middle of it. But I knew as soon as they saw me

the magic would change. It would disappear.

So, I stayed at my window and only ever watched.

Like I still do.

I bite the corner of my mouth, watching a green leaf

ﬂutter past the swing and land inside the tire where my

mother sat countless times. The image of her white

nightgown and light hair ﬂowing through the night as she

swung on it is still so vivid, because the last time was only

yesterday.

A throat clears behind me, and I ﬁnally blink, dropping

my eyes.

“Did they say anything to you?” Mirai asks me with tears

in her voice.

I don’t turn around, but after a moment, I give a slow

shake of my head.

“When did you last speak to them?”

I can’t answer that. I’m not sure.

Behind me, I feel her approach, but she stops several

feet back as the clank of the ﬁrst ambulance gurney jostles

and creaks down the stairs and is carried from the house.

I tip my chin up, steeling myself at the distant

commotion outside as the paramedics open the front door.

The calls and questions, the horns honking as more people

arrive, beyond the gates, where the media can no doubt see

the body being wheeled out.

When did I last speak to my parents?

“The police found some medications in your parents’

bathroom,” Mirai broaches in her soft voice. “They have

your father’s name on them, so they called the doctor and

learned that he had cancer, Tiernan.”

I don’t move.

“They never said anything to me,” she tells me. “Did you

know your father was sick?”

I shake my head again, still watching the tire sway.

Overview

Credence - Penelope Douglas

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Figures

He circles the bed, not taking his eyes oﬀ her dark form

FAQs

What happens to Tiernan's parents in the story?

Tiernan discovers that her parents have died in an apparent murder-suicide. They were found in bed together, dressed up, suggesting they had planned this tragic event. The narrative reveals that her father had cancer and was not expected to survive much longer, leading to the belief that her mother chose to die with him.

How does Tiernan react to her parents' death?

Initially, Tiernan is in shock and struggles to process her emotions. She feels a mix of numbness and confusion, as she reflects on her relationship with her parents and the lack of communication they had about her father's illness. Despite the gravity of the situation, she finds herself more concerned about handling the aftermath rather than grieving.

What does the tire swing symbolize in the story?

The tire swing symbolizes the lost childhood and the absence of familial warmth in Tiernan's life. It serves as a reminder of happier times when her parents played together, contrasting sharply with the current tragedy. The swing represents both nostalgia and the painful reality of her parents' absence.

Who is Mirai and what role does she play in Tiernan's life?

Mirai is Tiernan's mother's assistant and has been a constant presence in their lives. After the tragic event, she offers support to Tiernan, trying to help her navigate the immediate aftermath of her parents' death. Mirai's character highlights the themes of loyalty and the complexities of relationships in the wake of loss.

What does Tiernan's internal struggle reveal about her character?

Tiernan's internal struggle reveals her feelings of isolation and the burden of dealing with her parents' death alone. She grapples with the lack of emotional connection she had with them, reflecting on her upbringing and the way her parents' choices affected her. This struggle showcases her vulnerability and the challenge of confronting grief.

How does Tiernan cope with the media attention following her parents' death?

Tiernan feels overwhelmed by the media attention and the speculation surrounding her family's tragedy. She is acutely aware of the public's interest in her personal life, which adds to her anxiety. The pressure of dealing with reporters and the expectations of society intensifies her sense of isolation and dread about the future.