Cindy Waters

Cindy Waters is the mother of Augustus Waters, a central character in John Green's The Fault in Our Stars. She is a small, brunette, and vaguely mousy woman, as described by Hazel Grace Lancaster upon first meeting her. Along with her husband, Mark Waters, she provides a stable, loving home for Augustus, which is decorated with sentimental sayings she and her husband call "Encouragements." Her role in the story is defined by her unwavering support for her son, her warm acceptance of Hazel, and the profound grief she endures as Augustus's cancer returns and ultimately takes his life.

Role as a Mother and Caregiver

Cindy Waters is first introduced when Hazel visits Augustus's house after Support Group. She is in the kitchen making enchiladas with her husband, and she immediately welcomes Hazel, offering to vegetarianize the meal for her. She is attentive to her son's needs, asking about his day and his friend Isaac's Support Group. When Augustus reveals his cancer has recurred, she is present during his treatment, helping to manage his care. She is the one who informs Hazel about Augustus's condition, telling her that his heart is working too hard and that he needs to scale back on activity. She also calls Hazel at 3:30 in the morning to tell her that Augustus has died, her voice breaking as she delivers the news.

Relationship with Hazel

Cindy Waters develops a close, affectionate relationship with Hazel. She hugs Hazel tightly, like Augustus used to, and tells her that Augustus's love for her was not "puppy love or anything." She and her husband thank God for Hazel every day. After Augustus's death, she welcomes Hazel into their home, offering her food and comfort. When Hazel asks about a notebook Augustus might have written in, Cindy helps her search, showing her care for Hazel's need to find something of Augustus's to hold onto.

Grief and Aftermath

Cindy Waters's grief is palpable after Augustus's death. At the funeral, she and her husband look old, their eye sockets hollowed and skin sagging from exhausted faces. They stand by the coffin, hugging everyone who passes. In the days following the funeral, she and her husband sit at the dining table eating very small amounts of lasagna, not even looking at each other, until their daughters and grandchildren arrive, bringing noise and movement that seems to help. She holds hands with her husband at the table, a small gesture of mutual support in their shared loss.