The premiere of "The Changeling" unfolds with an intriguing prologue set in 1825, where a daring voyage embarked from Norway to America, manned by 52 brave souls, defied the odds of an impossible journey. Their identities and the impetus behind their trek remain shrouded in mystery, awaiting revelation.
The narrative then transitions seamlessly to the year 2010, where the stage is set in a serene public library. It is here that our leading characters, Apollo and Emma, cross paths for the very first time. Apollo, a seasoned book hunter, roams the aisles in pursuit of priceless treasures such as first editions and rare manuscripts, with the intent of selling them for substantial profits. Emma, on the other hand, is a dedicated library employee whose realm is the very same hallowed space. Apollo, without a moment's hesitation, boldly invites Emma on a date, but she politely declines. Despite her rejection, he persists, asking her six more times, each time meeting with the same firm refusal.
Apollo's relentless pursuit echoes the courtship of his parents, Brian West and Lillian Kagwa. Brian, a diligent police officer, chased after Lillian, a secretary who shuffled between various offices, for an impressive nine years. Their paths first crossed in 1968, but it wasn't until 1977 that they finally shared a date. Intriguingly, there are striking parallels between Apollo and Emma's burgeoning romance and the love story of Brian and Lillian, down to the location of their first date and the phrases exchanged between them. Could this be mere coincidence, or does it hint at some unseen, mystical force weaving their fates together?
Emma, who grew up without the knowledge of her biological parents, was raised by her elder sister Kim in Boones Mill, a quaint town seemingly lost in the vast nowhere. Despite her initial reluctance, Emma and Apollo's date blossoms into an evening filled with genuine connection and mutual understanding. As the night draws to a close, Emma confides in Apollo the reason behind her repeated refusals – she is embarking on an indefinite journey to Brazil. However, Apollo remains unperturbed, vowing to wait patiently for her return, dreaming of a future where they can be together.
Brian and Lillian's romantic journey unfolds alongside another narrative thread, intricately intertwined with shared experiences of a bleak childhood—a common denominator binding all four souls together. Their son, Apollo, was named with a touch of cinematic magic, inspired by their first viewing of "Rocky." Little did they know that Lillian's past was haunted by the loss of her brother, Arthur, during a perilous crossing at a military checkpoint, accompanied by her sister. Apollo's subconscious was tormented by recurring nightmares, visions of his father attempting to wrest him away from Lillian's protective embrace, even after their separation.
Lillian, a fervent believer in nurturing minds, cultivated Apollo's love for books by scavenging magazines and tomes from every conceivable corner. Her dedication ignited a lifelong passion within him. Meanwhile, Emma, after her sojourn, returned with a heart full of tales, one of which she eagerly shared with Apollo as he耐心等待 her delayed flight at the airport. Emma recounted an eerie encounter in Salvador with a mysterious woman who granted her three wishes and tied a red string, adorned with three knots, around her wrist. The woman prophesied that the wishes would manifest upon the string's detachment. In a gesture of unwavering devotion, Apollo, upon hearing this, swiftly severed the string. Their union was sealed soon after, leading to a swift wedding.
Emma's pregnancy soon followed, heralding a new chapter in their life together, marked by the acquisition of a cozy apartment in the heart of the city. During a cozy dinner outing with Emma's best friend, Michelle, an unexpected twist emerged. As Emma stepped away to the restroom, Michelle revealed a startling secret: a nude portrait of Emma hung in a prestigious museum in Norway, painted after a fateful encounter in Salvador where Emma gazed into the artist's lens with eyes that seemed to hold the depth of a sorceress's wisdom.
Before Michelle could divulge the specifics of the three wishes, a waiter's urgent arrival interrupted their conversation. We glimpse only the first two wishes: a devoted husband and a vigorous child. As Emma's labor pains intensified, the couple opted for a natural birth at home. However, fate had other plans; Emma delivered their bundle of joy, baby Brian Kagwa, on the bustling subway. In the midst of this urban miracle, their love story continued to write its own unique, unpredictable chapters.
