The Novel’s Language of Making

Objects and repeated images—the tree, the box, the letters, and small handmade gifts—show the characters trying to give form to feelings that cannot be resolved neatly.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Tree Instead of a Name

A Symbol That Misses The school’s chosen object The tree is offered as a reminder of community, but the ceremony does not name Kelly or explain how she died. Ava’s protest Her objection exposes the distance between a polished memorial and the truth that her friend is gone.

Letters Made by Hand

Tangible Attention Messages with material weight Ava and Gideon write on paper, hand-deliver notes, and choose their words without instant replies. Connection through craft The letters turn communication into an act of time and attention, making their growing trust visible.

The Skittle Initials

A Small, Playful Sign A makeshift message Gideon arranges Skittles into an A and jokes that he thinks Ava is pretty. Feeling made visible The candy spells affection without a formal declaration, letting tenderness appear in a moment still marked by grief.

The Handmade Bracelet

Flowers Reimagined A personal gift Ava gives Gideon a handmade bracelet instead of conventional flowers, recalling their earlier conversation about his gift. Attention as intimacy The object is modest but specific to their relationship, showing that she has remembered and acted on what he said.

A Card From London

A Door Left Open An address across distance Gideon sends Ava a card with his London number and a brief expression of love. An unfinished story The small object carries hope without resolving the breakup, allowing future contact to remain a choice rather than a guaranteed reunion.

At the memorial assembly, six months after Kelly’s death

During the early weeks of Ava and Gideon’s friendship

On Kelly’s birthday, after Ava and Gideon talk about grief

On Ava and Gideon’s first date

Six months after graduation