Woodturning

For Hannah, woodturning symbolizes hard work even when the situation seems impossible. Despite the fact that wood is not fluid, a person can still manipulate it if they are willing to take the time and energy, just as they can make the best of difficult situations that might seem unchangeable.

Owen's Note

Owen’s note represents the weight of the responsibility that he has given to Hannah. Hannah herself describes it as “like a weight” (16). Every time she looks at the note, she is reminded that she alone is now responsible for ensuring Bailey’s wellbeing, a reality that she considers at every turn.

Piggy Bank

The piggy bank represents the secrets that Owen kept hidden in inaccessible places. It sits on Bailey’s bedside table, along with theater books and plays. Owen won it for her at a school fair shortly after they moved to...