“Now, please turn your grammar books to page fifty-eight. It is imperative to know the difference between a comma and a semicolon when you are writing…”

_{– Maribelle instructing her class in Chapter 2: The Pilgrim}

Maribelle Sakda

Biographical information

Age: 28-29 years Birthday: May 5, 1884 Profession: Teacher Location: Chamberfield, MH

Family

Mother: Caterina Belmonte Husband: Nolan Sakda Son: Carlos Sakda

Physical description

Coat color: Rusted tuxedo Coat length: Short Eye color: Deep green Height: Average Outfit: White blouse, gray skirt & hat

Chapters

There You Are • The Pilgrim • Make Mine Melodies • The Picnic • Improper

Maribelle is Chamberfield’s schoolteacher and the godmother of Audrey Brown. She is charming, quick-witted, and occasionally sharp-tongued. She lives with her mother, Caterina, and her son, Carlos, and is the best friend of Abigail, Audrey’s elder sister. However, Abigail vehemently disapproves of Maribelle’s marriage to Nolan because of his immaturity and frequent absence from home. Still, Maribelle is desperately in love with the tom-cat and wishes Abigail could see the good in him too.

Gallery

Quotes

"I know you don't like Nolan. I don't need you to. But I chose this, and I'm happy. I want you to be happy too."
- Maribelle to Abigail in Chapter 3: Make Mine Melodies

Maribelle: "Cut it out! You'll make me choke with laughter."
Nolan: "But this is my natural body position!"
Maribelle: "Then would you alter it for a moment, for my stomach's sake?"
Nolan: "Oh, well maybe... But then, if I must sit up, may I sit beside you?"
- Maribelle teasing Nolan in Chapter 4: The Picnic

Trivia

• Maribelle, Nolan, and Carlos are based on real barn cats I met at a horse-riding camp.
  • She has a twin sister who will appear in Chapter 10—albeit without dialogue—who is also based on one of these barn cats. Their names were Zig and Zag.

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