The Uncertainty of Life

Young people often do not fully understand the unpredictability of life and assume that they are largely in control, but Matt learns that life is uncertain when his mother dies. There are several characters who struggle with this uncertainty and most seek ways of coping with their fears.

Matt is one of the most obvious examples of this theme. He is still struggling with the grief after his mother's death when his father is in a horrific accident. Matt is relieved when he learns his father is going to live, but the accident is another example of the fact that Matt is not in control.

Matt mentions Valentine's Day to Love and she rushes away without explaining why she is so upset. Matt had been having a good day and felt that it was the first day “I wasn't totally dazed and numb...