How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Until this moment, it hadn't occurred to me she might've read those books for herself also. But of course. She revered Bailey. I've left her to grieve on her own. I don't know what to say so I reach across the bench and hug her. Hard. (27.82)
Before this moment, Lennie was already feeling bad for abandoning her best friend Sarah. But, stuck inside her own grief, Lennie hadn't thought about the idea that Sarah might also be grieving. Sort of makes her abandonment seem worse, huh? Luckily, Sarah's pretty forgiving.
Quote #8
Why did she keep this real life mother from us? But as soon as I ask the question, I know the answer, because suddenly there is not blood pumping in my veins, coursing all throughout my body, but longing for a mother who loves lilacs. Longing like I've never had for the Paige Walker who wanders the world. That Paige Walker never made me feel like a daughter, but a mother who boils water for pasta does. Except don't you need to be claimed to be a daughter? Don't you need to be loved? (29.14)
You can't miss someone you don't know. By not telling her granddaughters any stories or details about their mother, Gram ensured that Lennie and Bailey would miss her as little as possible. But the effect of Gram's plan was temporary, and Lennie's obliviousness is shattered by a something as small as a pesto recipe.
Quote #9
"Yes, Lennie. You act like you're the only one in this house who lost somebody. She was like my daughter, do you know what that's like? Do you? My daughter. No, you don't because you haven't once asked. Not once have you asked how I'm doing. Did it ever occur to you that I might need to talk?" (31.66)
Poor Gram—Lennie's grief, plus maybe Gram's tendency to worry over her, made Lennie put some major blinders up. Fortunately, this outburst changes everything. It forces Lennie to actually talk to Gram instead of hiding all her feelings and secrets.