Telephone

A landline telephone is the only piece of modern technology that Grandma and Grandpa have at their place. The telephone is Edna’s only connection to the outside world, and she uses it to keep in touch with her parents, to inquire about party supplies, and to invite people to Grandpa’s birthday party. Originally, Edna believes she will die without modern technology beyond a phone, but comes to realize that in-person experiences are better than on-screen appearances.

Books

Books about female pioneers in the Wild West are given to Edna by her parents when they drop her off at her grandparents’ desert cabin. They are intended not only to be summer reading, but to teach Edna about the hard lives of women who came before her, and how she should be appreciative for the most basic things in life, such as family, food, and shelter...