Rob and Sistine’s Friendship

The Tiger Rising

Rob and Sistine build trust through shared wonder, conflict, comfort, and grief.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Look Across the Bus A Look Across the Bus from "The Tiger Rising". A Look Across the Bus Mutual Difference Rob watches Sistine answer the boys with defiance, while she notices his staring and challenges him.

A Look Across the Bus from "The Tiger Rising". A Look Across the Bus Mutual Difference Rob watches Sistine answer the boys with defiance, while she notices his staring and challenges him.

A Look Across the Bus Mutual Difference Rob watches Sistine answer the boys with defiance, while she notices his staring and challenges him. Their first exchange is prickly rather than welcoming. An Unexpected Recognition Rob’s knowledge of the Sistine Chapel links her name to something beautiful he has seen in a book. Curiosity begins where easy conversation cannot.

A Seat on the Ride Home A Seat on the Ride Home from "The Tiger Rising". A Seat on the Ride Home A Reluctant Companion Sistine sits beside Rob because no other seat is free, insisting that she did not choose him.

A Seat on the Ride Home from "The Tiger Rising". A Seat on the Ride Home A Reluctant Companion Sistine sits beside Rob because no other seat is free, insisting that she did not choose him.

A Seat on the Ride Home A Reluctant Companion Sistine sits beside Rob because no other seat is free, insisting that she did not choose him. Yet she asks his name and talks with him about school and the chapel. A First Confidence Rob reveals that his rash has kept him out of school and that he has a note. Her willingness to touch his leg and speak plainly creates a small, surprising intimacy.

The Tiger Shared The Tiger Shared from "The Tiger Rising". The Tiger Shared Trust Spoken Aloud Rob tells Sistine he knows where a tiger is, and she accepts the claim without ridicule.

The Tiger Shared from "The Tiger Rising". The Tiger Shared Trust Spoken Aloud Rob tells Sistine he knows where a tiger is, and she accepts the claim without ridicule.

The Tiger Shared Trust Spoken Aloud Rob tells Sistine he knows where a tiger is, and she accepts the claim without ridicule. She changes into his clothes so they can walk through the woods. Wonder and Argument At the cage, they admire the tiger but disagree about whether to release it. The disagreement establishes a friendship that can hold opposing convictions as well as shared awe.

Comfort Beside the Cage Comfort Beside the Cage from "The Tiger Rising". Comfort Beside the Cage Anger Gives Way Sistine shakes the cage and cries over her own helplessness.

Comfort Beside the Cage from "The Tiger Rising". Comfort Beside the Cage Anger Gives Way Sistine shakes the cage and cries over her own helplessness.

Comfort Beside the Cage Anger Gives Way Sistine shakes the cage and cries over her own helplessness. Rob recognizes the moment as a need for comfort rather than argument. Borrowed Reassurance He places a hand on her neck and repeats the words his mother once used with him: “I got you. I got good hold of you.” The gesture carries care across their separate griefs.

Best Friends in Mourning Best Friends in Mourning from "The Tiger Rising". Best Friends in Mourning Repair After Anger Sistine apologizes for calling Rob a sissy and says she does not hate him.

Best Friends in Mourning from "The Tiger Rising". Best Friends in Mourning Repair After Anger Sistine apologizes for calling Rob a sissy and says she does not hate him.

Best Friends in Mourning Repair After Anger Sistine apologizes for calling Rob a sissy and says she does not hate him. She calls him her best friend as they leave the grave together. A Lasting Bond Their joined hands offer comfort without undoing the loss. Friendship has become a relationship in which each can share wonder, anger, and sorrow.

the morning Sistine joins the bus

after the lunchroom fight

the afternoon Sistine visits the motel

after Sistine learns about Rob’s mother

after the tiger is buried