How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
My father takes a sip of his beer. "Things matter more to your mother than they do to me."
"Everything?" I ask. I'm watching him now. Searching his golden brown eyes.
"Everything… except you." My father bites his lip. The tears well up. He turns away and busies himself tugging the rug back in place. (31.12-14)
Mr. Flanagan is a man of few words, but his tears speak a thousand. Here we see a rare father-son moment between Moose and his dad where, without saying much, his dad admits how much he loves his son. Maybe he doesn't always show it like he should, but he loves his son all the same.
Quote #8
"You did it because you believed in your heart it was the right thing to do. You were doing what you thought would help your sister." She stops. Tears spill down her face.
"I can't imagine how I could ask for anything more from you. I can't imagine how I could." (36.24-25)
Mrs. Flanagan finally realizes that Moose wasn't trying to start a fight by asserting himself about Natalie's needs—he was standing up to protect the sister he loves, even if it meant upsetting his mom. You go, Moose.
Quote #9
"And, Moose? There's something I wanted to tell you too, dear. When Natalie and I are working together and I see I'm starting to lose her, I always say, 'What do you think Moose is doing right now?' And lately, she's been able to stay with me. […] I thought you might like to know how important you are to her." (37.18)
Moose loves Natalie so much that he calls her therapist to thank her for helping Natalie. What he hears back proves Natalie loves him, too: One of the only ways Dr. Kelly is able to hold Natalie's attention is by asking about her brother. He's so important to her that mentioning Moose helps Natalie stay focused and present. Yay.