Ava’s Relationship With Her Father

Ava’s father provides a steady, imperfect form of care as they negotiate grief, school decisions, honesty, and their changed family life.

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A Father’s News

The Call Before Dawn Delivering the truth Ava’s father wakes her and struggles to tell her that Kelly has died. Shared devastation His tears make the loss unmistakable; their close bond begins to carry a new grief neither can solve for the other.

Listening Without Fixing

A More Honest Home Speaking plainly Ava and her father talk more openly than before about school, grief, and her choices. Care with tension He listens but sometimes urges her to behave responsibly, leaving Ava to feel both supported and misunderstood.

The School Meeting

Her Father Takes Her Side Challenging the school Ava’s father disputes Mrs Bryan’s account of support and threatens to contact education authorities. Love does not erase limits He still reprimands Ava for violence and insists that her education matters, balancing advocacy with parental concern.

Choosing Time Together

Rebuilding Ordinary Closeness A small invitation Ava’s father asks whether they can spend an evening together, and she agrees to watch a film at home. Care in ordinary acts Their time together does not resolve grief, but gives them a quiet way to remain connected.

The Anniversary Gathering

Standing With Kelly’s Family A shared remembrance Ava and her father join Kelly’s family at the park to tell stories about Kelly. Grief held collectively The gathering allows laughter and tears to coexist, showing Ava that connection can persist even when no one can restore what was lost.

The early morning Ava learns Kelly has died

During Ava’s first months back at school

After Ava punches Trevor Lane

After Ava begins attending TAPs

One year after Kelly’s death