The barbell in the tea leaves

Was the barbell in the tea leaves clever foreshadowing that you, the reader, remembered? Or was it just writerly writing that was only obvious in a second reading?

I did remember it right away. Fortunately "barbell" is such a distinctive shape it really stood out. If she'd chosen something else - like a diamond shape or something - I don't think I'd have picked up on it.

KimK is right. Such a distinctive shape stood out, and in that sense was a clever choice on the author's part.

It was clever and subtle. The author gets points for this. Was it necessary, no.

I agree that it was not "necessary" but I did find it a nice touch and appreciated the whimsy!

Memorable for sure, I kept analyzing it in my own head. Happy when it was revealed.

I agree with all posts above. Nice but not necessary.

When first reading it, i thought "Oh, this is important!' Yes, I know it stood for "broken, death, etc." but before I read that (I teach a weight lifting class) I thought about barbells = dumb bells= or weight on mind or burden in life, or symmetry, etc. I was delighted when it showed up as a brain tumor!

I sort of thought it was a little too cutesy and could have done without that but it was sort of fitting with the whole style of writing.

It helped the plot.