Chapter 9
What major event happens in this chapter?
Giselle wakes up in the hospital and begins to process the reality of her sister Isabelle’s death. She struggles with grief, denial, and the painful memories of the car accident.
What is the main focus of Chapter 10?
Chapter 10 focuses on Giselle’s continued struggle with grief, her interactions with family and friends, and her memories of Isabelle as she begins to slowly face reality.
Where is Giselle at the beginning of Chapter 11?
Giselle is still in the hospital, recovering from the car accident.
What decision does Giselle make about Isabelle’s belongings?
She decides to go through some of Isabelle’s things, though it is emotionally difficult for her.
Where does Chapter 13 take place?
Giselle is now at home, continuing her recovery after being discharged from the hospital.
How does Giselle react when she fully realizes Isabelle is gone?
Giselle is overwhelmed with sorrow and anger. She refuses to believe it at first and even lashes out at those around her, including her parents and friends.
How does Giselle’s father try to comfort her in this chapter?
Her father shares stories about Isabelle and reassures Giselle that it’s okay to grieve, but he also encourages her to find strength in their memories.
Who comes to visit Giselle in this chapter?
Her parents, her best friend Tina, and other family members visit her.
Who helps Giselle sort through Isabelle’s possessions?
Her parents and sometimes Tina assist her, offering support as she faces memories tied to Isabelle’s belongings.
What daily activity does Giselle struggle with due to her injuries?
She has difficulty with basic movements like walking up stairs or getting dressed without assistance.
Who visits Giselle in the hospital, and how do they try to comfort her?
Her parents, Tina (her best friend), and other family members visit. They try to comfort her with words and physical presence, but Giselle feels isolated in her grief.
What does Giselle realize about her own survival compared to Isabelle’s death?
She feels a mix of guilt and confusion, questioning why she survived while Isabelle did not, and she struggles with the unfairness of it.
What medical update does Giselle receive about her condition?
The doctors inform her that she will need physical therapy to recover fully from her injuries.
What specific item of Isabelle’s does Giselle focus on in this chapter?
She looks at Isabelle’s sketchbook or journal (depending on the edition), which contains drawings and personal notes.
Who visits Giselle at home in this chapter?
Her friend Tina visits, along with other classmates who come to offer support.
What symbolic moment occurs when Giselle looks at her hands?
She notices that her hands look like Isabelle’s, which reinforces their twin connection and makes her loss even more painful.
How does Tina (Giselle’s best friend) support her in this chapter?
Tina listens to Giselle, offers quiet companionship, and doesn’t push her to talk, allowing her to grieve in her own way.
What does Giselle refuse to do in this chapter?
She refuses to look at or discuss photos of Isabelle, as it is too painful for her.
How does Giselle react when she sees Isabelle’s handwriting or artwork?
She feels a mix of sorrow and comfort, as it makes Isabelle’s presence feel real but also highlights her absence.
What school-related concern does Giselle express?
She worries about falling behind in her classes and how she will catch up on missed work.
What role does guilt play in Giselle’s emotions in this chapter?
Giselle feels guilty for surviving when Isabelle didn’t, and she replays moments before the accident, wondering if things could have been different.
Why does Giselle resist people’s attempts to comfort her?
She is still in deep denial and anger, and their words feel inadequate compared to the enormity of her loss. She may also fear that accepting comfort means accepting Isabelle’s death.
What does Giselle’s mother bring her in this chapter?
Her mother brings her a journal, encouraging her to write down her feelings.
What does Giselle’s mother encourage her to do with Isabelle’s things?
Her mother suggests keeping some items as mementos but also donating others when she’s ready.
How does Giselle’s bedroom feel different to her now?
It feels emptier and quieter without Isabelle, emphasizing her sister’s absence.