Lyrics of the Heart
This is the name of the school where Sandra and Terry first meet.
Blake Robinson
Sandra runs into this type of weather instead of seeking shelter.
Rain
This stuffed animal lives in Sandra's backpack, zipped between a journal and a sandwich.
Mr. Humble-Worth (a teddy bear)
Sandra uses this word to describe what the rain was doing to her, like a blessing.
Baptize
Sandra admits to Terry, in only a whisper, that Mr. Humble-Worth remembers who she was before an unspecified event. What does she say the bear does for her?
He remembers who she was 'before'
Sandra loves this place at school, because its quiet.
Library
Sandra titles the first clean page of her notebook with this phrase.
Things that make me feel real.
The four words Jordan wrote on the note that made Sandra feel truly seen.
Are you okay today?
Sandra texts Jordan this exact word when he asks if she wants to come over.
Duh!
Jordan tosses Sandra this piece of clothing when she arrives at his house.
Hoodie.
Saturday mornings in Sandra's household are always defined by this breakfast food.
Pancakes
This object sitting near the fruit bowl hints that Sandra's mother is unwell.
A prescription bottle
Terry and Sandra spend an evening painting their nails in this color that Terry uses on her thumbnail.
Sharp Blue
Lying in bed at the chapter's end, Sandra connects her mother's pale hands and slow movement to this metaphor.
Tiny, invisible cracks in the glass
When Terry asks Sandra if she's happy, Sandra's internal answer reveals she feels this unnamed sensation beneath her joy.
A restless buzzing / something she can't name
Sandra's school choir is preparing for this upcoming event.
Spring Showcase
Sandra brings her mother this warm beverage during her hospital visit.
Chamomile tea
In her diary entry, Sandra describes herself as living two lives—one as the dancing, laughing girl, and one as this.
The girl who watches monitors blink and pretends she isn't scared
This sensory detail from Jordan's laundry fills her as she hugs the hoodie at night.
Cinnamon gum and laundry detergent
The chapter's title is 'The Last Normal Day.' What internal question sits quietly with Sandra at the end, foreshadowing her struggle?
Whether she could hold herself together forever
Sandra plans to do this as soon as she gets home—her way of staying in control.
Check her mother's medicine.
Earl grabs Sandra by this body part to stop her from leaving.
Her wrist
When Sandra returns home, she does this to her bedroom door to feel safe.
Locks it
After the assault, Sandra's diary entry reveals she kept asking herself this question.
Why didn't I scream louder?
The chapter ends with Sandra realizing that once you question whether your father sees you as a daughter, you stop being this.
A Child.