Charlie's Feelings
What makes Charlie feel truly loved and happy for the first time?
When Sam kisses him
What kind of childhood did Charlie's dad have?
A difficult one with abuse from his stepfather
Who is Known for baking the best cookies but now has a bad hip?
Charlie's grandmother
What special day happens around Christmas that makes Charlie emotional?
His birthday
What emotions does Charlie feel when thinking about Aunt Helen?
Love and Pain
Who is Charlie's dad's mother?
Charlie's grandmother
Who continues the cycle of abuse by marrying violent men?
Aunt Rebecca
What activity helps distract Charlie from feeling sad?
Taking his driver’s test and driving for the first time
Which events during the holidays makes Charlie start to feel depressed again?
His birthday and Christmas remind him of Aunt Helen's death
What happened to Aunt Rebecca when she was young?
She was hit by her mother's abusive husband
Who is Charlie's brother's girlfriend and a cheerleader
Kelly
What is the poem Charlie reads about?
Growing up and losing innocence
What does Charlie realize about sadness in families?
That sadness can be passed down through generations
Who protected the family from the abusive stepfather?
Great Uncle Phil
Who defended his sister even if it meant breaking the law?
Great Uncle Phil
What symbolic thing was missing at his grandmother’s house that disappointed Charlie?
Her usual cookies
What gives Charlie comfort and hope despite all the sadness
The love and kindness he feels from Sam's kiss
What does Charlie learn about his family's past during the trip?
That his dad and relatives suffered from years of truma and violence
Who are the family members Charlie worries about growing up in the same cycle of pain?
Aunt Rebecca’s kids (Charlie’s cousins)
What does the family’s argument on the way to Grandma’s house represent?
The emotional distance and tension between family members.