Chapter 19 Summary

Sara is overwhelmed by how large the valley is and how dense the woods are. Charlie could be out there anywhere, and the thought is too much for her to handle for a moment. Sara screams Charlie's name over and over, and Joe joins her. The longer Sara looks out over the vast valley, the more emotional she becomes, but she cannot cry. All summer she cried over her feet and her looks, and now when there is really something to cry over she cannot. Sara does not understand this. Sara believes for a moment she can hear Charlie crying, but it is not him. Sara waits while Joe continues to call Charlie's name.

Chapter 19 Analysis

The theme of coming of age is clearer than ever in this chapter. Sara feels true fear and sorrow here, but she cannot cry unlike all the...