How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"That's his way of trying to say he really is sorry about Bandit. He's just not very good at expressing feelings." (43.4)
It's a good thing Mom can interpret what Dad's saying or Leigh wouldn't know it. Dad wants to communicate with his son; he's just not very good at it.
Quote #8
"Have you found another dog to take Bandit's place?" I think what I really meant was, Have you found another boy to take my place? (52.5)
A lot of times we think of desires as positive things—you want an Xbox One or tickets to a concert or quality time with a friend. But sometimes desires are to avoid negative things; you don't want to get hurt, or you don't want to feel left out. Leigh doesn't want to be forgotten or replaced.