Fighting Words

At her next therapy appointment, Della asks Dr. Fremont how someone’s brain could be hurt when bad things happen to them. Dr. Fremont explains that, especially when someone is young, people’s brains become more sensitive if they experience difficult things. She gives Della a list of “ten ways bad things could happen to a kid” (214). As Della reads, she sees that all of the items on the list have happened to her and Suki. Della suggests that these bad things mean that she and her brain are “screwed” (214), but Dr. Fremont insists that even hurt brains can heal.

During basketball at the Y on Wednesday, Trevor begins bothering Della for the first time since she punched him. He comes up to her and pokes her, saying, “Touch” (215). Della stops and tells him that he does not have permission to touch her. She calls out for Coach, telling him that Trevor touched her without her permission. Coach makes Trevor run laps even though Trevor insists he was just joking.

The next day, Francine tells Della that there is a surprise waiting for her at home. When they arrive at the house, Suki is waiting for them on the front steps.