Importance of pebbles

Pebbles and other small items such as driftwood, coins, and shells, have been collected since early childhood by Rose. It is a hobby instilled in her by her father. Rose enjoys the collection of pebbles and other odds and ends throughout each summer. Yet, in the present time, Rose decides to leave her collection of acquired pebbles behind. It is a highly symbolic act. The pebbles are seen a part of the summer, a part of what will become the past. The pebbles come to represent not only Rose’s past, but her family’s past as well – including her mother’s miscarriage. The act of leaving the pebble collection behind is representative of Rose moving on beyond that past – and also of leaving childhood behind, as she is now on the cusp of being a teenager.