Fern

When Sydney notices the fern in Ridge's apartment at the beginning of the novel, she is struck by how much the fern seems to be unaffected by the heat. The fern symbolizes resiliency in this way and provides a brief bright spot for Sydney while she struggles to adapt to the new normal after leaving the apartment she previously shared with Tori.

Money

Money symbolizes desperation in the novel. All of the characters have previously experienced, or are continually experiencing, financial insecurity. When Sydney is struggling to pay for a hotel after leaving her apartment, she is unwilling to receive help even though she needs it.

Sibling bonds

Ridge and Brennan provide unwavering support for each other despite not being able to rely on their parents, symbolizing how sibling bonds represent family relationships and destruction of the family structure in the novel. They form their own...