How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Besides, I was too busy throwing the most colossal temper tantrums. I refused to move. I would not leave our farm, our maple tree, our swimming hole, our pigs, our chickens, our hayloft. I would not leave the place that belonged to me. I would not leave the place to which, I was convinced, my mother might return. (18.22)
We don't blame Sal for being so upset. It would be really hard to leave the only home you've ever known, let alone all the things that remind you of your mother. Knowing what you know now, why do you think Sal was, at this point, so convinced that her mother might return home?
Quote #8
At last, he took down the For Sale sign and put up a For Rent sign. He said he would rent out the farm, hire someone to care for the animals and the crops, and rent a house for us in Euclid. The farm would still belong to us and one day we could return to it. (18.23)
Dad Hiddle is so full of grief that he wants to make sweeping changes to his life. He wants to leave behind everything that reminds him of his wife. However, he learns to compromise. Instead of making drastic changes, he makes a temporary change. Instead of forcing change, he lets change happen the way it wants to happen, and leaves room to take back his decision.
Quote #9
Then he said, "Sal, you're trying to catch fish in the air. Your mother is not coming back." (19.15)
This is the first time that we hear Sal's father directly tell her that her mom is not coming back. Does Sal believe him at this moment? We also love the way Dad Hiddle talks, using colorful expressions like, "you're trying to catch fish in the air," which reminds of the mysterious messages that are left on Phoebe's doorstep.