How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I was once the mouse in the middle when it came to sisters. There were two older: Vicky and Alice. But they are no longer with us and can play no part in the great adventure coming in our lives.
Theirs is a painful story that we need not go into just yet. Mother is no longer with us either, which is part of the same sad story. (2.1-2)
Helena has a tough time talking about her past. It's only the second chapter of the book, and already we know that three of her family members have died, which lets us know that she's got some rough memories to sort through. Keep an eye out for how she talks about these memories (or avoids them at all costs) as the book goes on.
Quote #2
It was this very she-cat who got Papa. Yes, our papa. In a scene too terrible to tell, she pounced. In the dust of the barn lot Papa had come across an ear of Indian corn. He could make a meal out of Indian corn and had just started through the second row of kernels when she pounced, all teeth and claws. I can't bear to say any more than that. Don't ask me. (3.28)
Helena has some really sad memories. What do you think about how she says she can't talk about her dad's death? She's pretty forceful about it when she tells us, "Don't ask me." We get the impression that Helena only wants to tell us about her family's past on her own terms and in her own time.
Quote #3
"Come around here and look, Helena. It's gone back to the past."
I edged around to gaze over her sagging old shape, into the crystal ball.
I staggered. There in the depths of the crystal ball was… the rain barrel at the corner of our house. Clear as day. It was winter, with a skim of ice across the rainwater. I couldn't face it. My hands were over my eyes. (5.49-51)
Aunt Fannie's crystal ball is supposed to show the future, but it goes back to the past instead. And this lets us know that Helena's family history is super important. She may not want to face her past, but one day poor Helena is going to have to open her eyes.