Summary

Chapter 22 is titled “Optimistic Elephants.” Delsie says she and Bridget do not talk about the subject again, and that neither is angry. Esme takes Delsie out to the Optimist Cafe while Bridget watches Ruby. It is a nicer place and Esme makes suggestions for their food. Delsie fears Esme has bad news, but she says she simply wants to spend some time together, as they have done in the past. She invites Delsie to talk about what is on her mind, but gives her time to decide what to say. Esme has always liked elephants and Delsie asks why. She says that elephants react to humans the way humans react to small, cuddly creatures, “Like, they think we're cute” (121). She says they are also empathetic, and that all the adults of a herd look out for all the babies. Delsie believes Esme is...