A Boy Called Bat

“He knew that the longer he took, the more energy he was wasting, and Bixby Alexander Tam did not like to waste energy.”

This quote focuses on characterizing Bat, the protagonist, as a logical, practical individual. This helps establish his personality, and alludes to his position on the autism spectrum.

“In his room, Bat felt completely comfortable. Here, he knew where everything was. If something was in the wrong place, it was his own fault, because no one messed with his room but him.”

Bat goes to his room to decompress. He has the freedom to arrange his room as he pleases, and his family knows to stay out. This offers him a sense of calm and comfort. The lack of external influence from his family simplifies the space, removing the effect of complex relational concepts, such as blame.

“I’m sorry. Bat, but your drawers were just a mess. Your hats mixed in with pants and sweaters. I don’t know how you find anything.”

Valerie does not understand Bat’s organizational system, and instead of talking to Bat about it, she rearranges his drawers on her own. She is trying to help her son by making his life a bit easier, but the plan backfires (as he has his own system in place). Although she struggles to understand her son, she at least tries, and does not resent Bat for his needs.