How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But it's funny. Even though I try to forget the coin and the map, I can't stop myself; I go back and look at them every chance I get. I keep thinking that maybe they are real. It's like monsters. You know there's no such thing, but you can't help but wonder if they're out there somewhere in the dark night, just waiting to get you. (13.22)
Even though Turtle hardly lets herself admit it, she hopes the treasure map she just found is real. She knows it's illogical and highly unlikely, but she still wants it really badly. That's the thing about dreams: They don't have to be rational or have the slightest chance of coming true, but you can still wish for them.
Quote #8
They don't want to give up the dream, either. (14.56)
Here Turtle is talking about her friends when hunting for the treasure. No one wants to keep looking, because they've looked long enough, and chances are, there is no treasure anyway. Yet something inside all of them keeps hoping and fighting for this dream to become reality.
Quote #9
I squeeze my eyes shut. I dream I'm walking into the Bellewood in pretty new shoes—through the front door, under the arch, and into the living room, where Mama and Smokey are waiting for me. It's so real I can smell Mama's perfume. (15.30)
Did you notice how she uses the word real here? In some ways, that word is in opposition to the idea of dreams. Turtle feels as though this dream is coming true in her life, though. Perhaps this is how we allow ourselves to dream—to give in to that small part of us that wants to believe it can be real.