Sometimes just beingin the same room with my momeven the sound of her voicemakes it hard to be a person.
-- Maddie (Pages 5 - 71)

Importance: In this quote, Maddie introduces readers to the difficult relationship she has with her mother. Although the two clearly love each other, Maddie's mother is more rigid in her expectations for Maddie's behavior and sense of self than her ex-husband and Maddie often feels stifled. Before her mother even finishes her thought, Maddie is expecting to be scolded or criticized, a feeling that weighs heavily on her.

I adore my baby brotherbutI want to get upstairs.
-- Maddie (Pages 5 - 71)

Importance: Maddie also has a complicated relationship with her half-brother. While he is sweet to her and she enjoys seeing him grow and develop, she struggles not to let her resentment take over and sour their relationship. His presence often makes her wonder if she was not enough for her mother and this is why...