Rituals

In the novel, Katchur assigns multiple characters rituals that shape their daily lives, which then signify change when these rituals are interrupted or broken. Clint's ritual involves grooming his lawn in order to maintain the appearance of cleanliness and wholesomeness even though he is cheating on his wife and entering into shady agreements with the Scions. When he is grooming his lawn, Clint seems calm. Matt attempts to continue Clint's routine, but he cannot maintain it even though he is also clearly obsessed with keeping up appearances. Matt does not understand the importance of Clint's routine, so it does not benefit him in any way except for looking good in Becca's eyes.

Also, John is always aware of Becca's routine. In the end of the novel, John uses "his knowledge of her and her routine" to follow her for the final confrontation (280). Becca's routine involves running...