How we cite our quotes: Chapter.Paragraph
Quote #4
The only really traumatic thing that I've been through is Grandpa's death. But I don't remember anything changing with my colors. Maybe it wasn't as traumatic as it could have been because I knew I still had a part of Grandpa in Mango. (7.22)
When Mia finds out that trauma is bad for synesthetes and hinders their colors, she rethinks her grandpa's death. In her mind, he's still around in Mango, so it makes it a lot easier to deal with the grief of losing him.
Quote #5
I'VE ONLY JUST LEARNED THAT MY COLORS DON'T MEAN I'M CRAZY AND THAT I DON'T HAVE SOME AWFUL DISEASE. I'M LEARNING MORE ABOUT IT FROM DR. JERRY WEISS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO, AND IT'S KINDA COOL. (8.19)
We find it interesting that Mia assumes she's dying because of her colors. Sure, it's rare, but she's had it for so long that we wouldn't think there's anything super wrong with her. Still, this is another way mortality is woven through the text.
Quote #6
Time has stopped. The only things that exist in the world are me, my father, and Mango. The tears are streaming down my face now and making Mango's fur wet. My father tips Mango's head back and breathes into his mouth and nose. […] After a minute of this Dad looks up at me, his face ashen, and shakes his head. (13.69)
Mango dies and Mia is completely distraught; she doesn't know how to keep on living without her cat and grandpa. Props to her dad for trying to give the cat CPR, though.