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      Chapter XVII

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XVII takes the group toward the town of Emerald, where the protagonist, along with their companions, has a surprising encounter with Samson, the narrator’s seven-year-old brother. He quietly stands next to Fish, holding an empty bag of potato chips, his silent presence adding to the mystery of his character. Lill, who is with the group, is taken aback by Samson’s unexpected appearance and learns that he is a quiet and reserved child, not one to engage in many words. This piques the curiosity of…
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      Chapter XVIII

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XVIII begins with Mibs struggling deeply after an emotionally unsettling encounter, her mind heavy with confusion and anxiety. Feeling lost and vulnerable, she leans on her friend Will, who tries to offer her some comfort by suggesting they take a trip to the Emerald Truck Stop Diner and Lounge. The atmosphere inside the diner, however, doesn’t provide the escape she hoped for; as soon as they enter, Mibs is bombarded with the overwhelming noise of countless thoughts from the people around her.…
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      Chapter XIX

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XIX begins with a surge of tension as Bobbi confronts a disturbing realization, leading her to leave in haste, leaving Mibs and Fish momentarily shocked and uncertain. As they process what’s happening, their photographs flash across a small television screen, boldly marked with the words "ALERT! MISSING!" The weight of the moment presses heavily on the group, the true scale of their predicament settling in with a mix of fear and confusion. Fish, sensing the gravity of the situation, quickly tries…
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      Chapter XX

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XX begins with the group feeling a deep sense of relief after successfully escaping the chaos that unfolded inside the diner. The fresh spring air greets them as they step outside, and the sound of passing cars seems to calm their frayed nerves, offering a sharp contrast to the loud clamor of the restaurant. As they walked carefully, avoiding the potholes that marked the path to an alley, their steps were cautious, and their minds stayed vigilant, particularly watching for any signs of pursuit from…
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      Chapter XXI

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXI focuses on the narrator’s reflection on a crucial life lesson taught by their mother, Momma, about the concept of "scumbling." In an insightful conversation, Momma explains this artistic technique, which involves using just the right amount of paint to bring out one's unique traits or "savvy" without overwhelming everything else. The lesson resonates deeply with the narrator, especially in relation to their brother, Fish, who has struggled with his overpowering savvy. This power, compared to…
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      Chapter XXII

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXII takes a deep dive into the anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the characters as they unknowingly embark on a journey, trapped in a web of deception and difficult decisions. After sneaking aboard Lester's bus, they thought they would be heading directly to Salina, but the group soon realizes that they are heading into the unknown, unsure of what awaits them. Lill, one of their companions, reacts with an uncomfortable silence, which only adds to the tension as they all try to understand the…
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      Chapter XXV

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXV opens with Mibs and Bobbi preparing to change into their swimsuits by the pool, marking the beginning of a pivotal moment in the story. Mibs, usually a confident individual, is taken aback by the poor fit of her swimsuit, which makes her feel self-conscious and vulnerable. This is a sharp contrast to the more self-assured character she has been before. Bobbi, on the other hand, steps in as a comforting presence, exuding a grown-up confidence in her cherry red bikini. She helps Mibs adjust the…
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      Chapter XXIV

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXIV begins with Lill expressing her newfound enthusiasm and a sense of optimism about shopping for supplies, offering to take care of the kids until the next day. She suggests walking over to the Mega Mega Mart across the road to gather what they need, while asking if anyone would like to join her. However, the children, wary of their current situation and the potential consequences of drawing attention to themselves, prefer to stay behind in the safety of their temporary shelter. As she prepares…
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      Chapter XXIII

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXIII delves deeply into the intricacies of deception and the complex dynamics of family relationships. The central challenge of this chapter revolves around a plan to convince Lill that the group has made a successful call home, when in fact, they have not. The narrator reflects on past events when Bobbi had mimicked Lill's voice to cover for herself at school, using her mother’s stern tone to create plausible stories that could smooth over tricky situations. As they find themselves in a motel,…
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      Chapter XXVIII

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      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXVIII continues the group’s journey south, with the distance from Salina still weighing heavily on their minds. Despite the Beaumont family’s strong encouragement to head straight to Salina Hope Hospital, Lester remains firm in his decision to take one last detour. As the miles pass, the group distracts themselves by munching on snacks from the Mega Mega Mart, each person doing their best to keep their thoughts away from Poppa, who remains in the hospital. This small diversion serves as a…
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