How does Sara and Julien's relationship change over the course of the novel, White Bird: A Wonder Story?

Sara and Julien grew up together, and they were often assigned to sit next to each other due to the alphabetical seating charts in school. Sara, however, generally ignored Julien, joining in with the other students in calling Julien "Tourteau." "Tourteau" is the French word for "crab." Julien had to use crutches because he had contracted polio. His father, Jean-Paul, was a sewer worker. Julien's family lived in a poor area.

Julien, however, showed himself to be a friend to Sara when she was not safe. He showed her the way to his family's barn and provided her with a safe place to hide. Sara and Julien fell in love with each other. Julien showed Sara bluebells in the forest one night, and they kissed. The next day, soldiers forced Julien to go on a truck with patients taken from a mental hospital. The soldiers had Julien and the patients killed. Sara believes that Julien's soul rose like a free bird. Julien's body was never found.