Summary

The boy remains frustrated with the news and tries to find peace in self-soothing through breathing exercises. He continues worrying as his father’s coughing grows more intense. He pictures a tornado inside of his father’s chest, fighting to get free. He sneaks into the room to be physically closer to his father despite his mother’s warnings. The boy is still unable to connect with his siblings and his loneliness grows. He worries equally for his father and tries to find joy during the singular day the narrative covers.

Although the world around him seems hopeless and fixated on the worst parts of human nature and behavior, the boy refuses to believe that this is all there is to life.

Analysis

A principal literary device employed by Reynolds throughout the narrative is the paradox and the power of juxtaposing two extremes...