Chapters 15-16 Summary

In Chapter 15, after Christmas, Tara begins to freeze in front of closed doors—she doesn't feel she can open the door until she has repeated a routine in which she places all ten fingers on the doorknob with the exact same pressure, then brings her fingers to her lips. Her mother is in despair when she sees her doing "the doorknob thing" and slaps her to try to discourage her. (p. 137). Her mother finally gives up slapping her, and threatens to take her to another doctor—or have her committed. The doctor doesn't give Tara his diagnosis, but her mother seems consoled, and treats Tara well after the visit.

In Chapter 16, at a Chinese restaurant, Tara's family reads their fortunes. Tara's father receives a fortune that says "You will receive important news from an unusual messenger." (p. 140). Tara does...