How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
At first it was the empty mailbox to try not to think about—not a single letter from Dorothea for over a month. And then at last there was a letter—and even more to worry about. Dorothea was back in Hollywood. She must have gotten all of April's letters, but she didn't even mention the question that April asked in every one. (8.31)
So much for April's total adoration of her mom—Dorothea isn't exactly the most caring or responsive parent. Even though April has written her plenty of letters, Dorothea doesn't write back for a long, long time. And when she does, she's intentionally vague about when April can move back home.
Quote #5
Her father's opinion was that "we can't keep them cooped up forever," and fortunately he won—on the condition that Marshall and Melanie promise not to play alone. So it all had to wait until the Rosses could get around to talking with Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Chung and get everything all decided—and by then it was already Thursday. (13.10)
All of the families in the building consult each other when it comes to deciding if their children can play outside again because they all care about the safety of their kids. They finally reach a decision and say that the kids can play outside as long as they stick together. Looks like the Rosses and the Halls and the Chungs are all expanding into one big family.
Quote #6
The letter was from Dorothea, and it was very cheery and chatty—and it said that Dorothea and Nick had gotten married. Dorothea chatted about how happy she and Nick were, and how she'd moved into Nick's apartment and there really wasn't much room. (13.13)
Ouch. Poor April's hopes are dashed. Not only was April not included in her mom's wedding—now it seems like she's not welcome in her mother's new home. And all that bad news in a cheery, chatty tone is just adding insult to injury.