Autumn's Bag

Autumn's bag is in Jeff's car when he has a wreck, which everyone takes as a symbol of her presence in his car at that time. The fact that she put her bag in his car is a symbol that she planned to ride with him.

Dax's Bag

Dax says his bag is always packed, which is a symbol of the insecurity of the foster care system. His foster parents left it outside that Friday afternoon, which is a sign that they expect him to stay away for the weekend.

The Friendship Bracelets

Friendship bracelets are inexpensive bracelets that Autumn finds among the toys used by library staff for a children's program, and they symbolize the friendship that is emerging between Autumn and Dax. Both continue to wear the bracelets after they leave the library, though Autumn cuts hers off when she becomes angry with...