How is the theme of family illustrated in the opening chapters?

There is a brief segment in the opening chapters that highlights the twins’ life prior to their father's car accident and to the time shortly surrounding his death that gives further insight into Conner and Alex's feelings. The family theme is grown here as the loss is felt not only by the twins, but by their mother as well. Everything they had was sold, including the father's bookshop, and their mother has to take on more shifts at work to try to cover the large stack of bills. Because of this, the children are often alone, creating an even deeper bond between them as they must look out for each other.