How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
But she didn't come back that night. Dad did. He told me Auggie had had a bad first day and Mom was helping him through it. He asked me how my day had gone and I told him fine. He said he didn't believe me for a second, and I told him Miranda and Ella were acting like jerks. […]He said nothing tests friendships like high school, and then proceeded to poke fun at the fact that I was reading War and Peace. Not real fun, of course, since I'd heard him brag to people that he had a "fifteen-year-old who is reading Tolstoy." […] It was silly stuff, but Dad always managed to make everyone laugh. And sometimes that's all you need to feel better. (2.The Padawan Bites the Dust.11)
Via was hoping to talk to her mom—she especially asked her mom to come back—but because Auggie's needs always trump hers, her mom doesn't come back. But Via's dad is there for her. He knows Via well enough to know she is suffering, and gives her the opening to share her sadness. He validates her feelings, and then he makes her laugh.
Quote #8
Mom took his temperature, brought him some hot tea, and assumed the "August's mom" role again. "Via's mom," who had come out for a little while, was put away. I understood, though: August was in bad shape. (2.October 31.5)
Via and her mom weep together on the anniversary of Grans' passing, sharing their grief, supporting, and comforting each other. Via hopes to share all her school troubles with her mom—but she doesn't get the chance, because once again her needs are eclipsed by Auggie's.
Quote #9
She's a happy dog, like she knows she lucked out that day finding this family.
I kind of know how she feels. I like olivia's family. they laugh a lot. […]
olivia's family tell each other "i love you" all the time.
i can't remember the last time anyone in my family said that to me. (5.Valentine's Day.16, 17, 19, 20)
Via's boyfriend Justin wistfully admires the emotional culture of the Pullman family. They have made warmth and kindness habitual, and people outside the family often notice how good it feels to be around them. Justin feels so safe with them that by the end of the evening, his tics have gone away.