Chapters 1-3
Reform
improve, get better
Indifference
lack of concern, don't care
vacant
unoccupied, empty
promptly
on time, punctual, immediate
defying
disobey, go against the rules
ornate
fancy, decorative
dismissively
not worth, ignore, put off
decent
proper, correct
ajar
slightly open, partly open
cowering
hiding, cringing
mute
quiet, silent
demerits
a mark against points off
exaggerated
overstated, inflated
urged
encouraged, coaxed, talk into
regretful
sorry, remorse
mammoth
large, huge
concealed
hidden, out of sight
stymied
prevent, hindered, stopped
fervently
enthusiastic, passionately
consoled
comfort, show understanding
rheumy
watery, moist
imposter
pretender, not who they say they are
communal
shared, common, for everyone
repented
regret, be sorry
disturbed
troubled, bothered