Clues to the Universe

Ro comes over to Benji’s house after school to begin working on finding his dad. She loved the comics that she read and can’t wait to read more, even though some of them are what she calls unrealistic. Benji’s house is clean, Ro observes, but his room is a disaster. He stashes Red Vines candies and soda under his bed, which he gladly shares with Ro. Benji shows Ro the drawing that he thinks proves his dad wrote the comics, which weren’t released until a few years after his dad left the home. He has tried contacting the comic book company to no avail, and his dad’s contact information can’t be found. Benji reveals that in a later comic, the hero Gemma Harris finds out that her long-lost father is still alive and being held captive. Benji believes it’s a hint directly from his father, indicating that he wants Benji to find him. Ro latches onto the idea, and the excitement in her begins to grow.

Benji visits Ro’s house next to see her rocket and find out what he can do to help. Benji meets Ro’s mom, who is bubbly and affectionate and who makes Benji wish his own mother was more like her.