Character Emotions and Interpretations

Sal spends a night at Phoebe's house, where Phoebe is anxious about her missing mother and fears a lunatic is involved. The next morning is chaotic, with Phoebe's father dismissing her concerns. At school, Phoebe lies about her mother's whereabouts, and Sal reflects on her own mother's absence. Phoebe searches for clues at home, suspecting foul play, while her father remains skeptical. Sal and her father discuss the situation, with Sal pondering her mother's departure.

What was Phoebe worried about during the night at her house?

• A storm approaching

• The lunatic returning

• Her father leaving

• A ghost in the garden

What does Phoebe's father give her when she claims to be sick?

• A dictionary

• A blanket

• A glass of water

• A thermometer

What does Phoebe learn about the word 'malinger'?

• It means to be honest

• It means to pretend to be ill

• It means to be late

• It means to work hard

What does Phoebe find missing from the breakfast table?

• Pancakes

• Muesli and orange juice

• Coffee

• Eggs and bacon

What does Phoebe wave in front of her father as evidence?

• A newspaper

• Her mother's sweater

• A photograph

• A letter

How does Phoebe respond when asked about her mother's whereabouts at school?

• She says her mother is on vacation

• She says her mother is at the hospital

• She says her mother is on a business trip

• She says her mother is visiting relatives

What does Sal recall about her own experience when her mother left?

• She was happy

• She refused to believe her mother wouldn't return

• She was indifferent

• She felt relieved

What does Phoebe search for in her house?

• Her mother's diary

• Evidence of a break-in

• Her father's keys

• A hidden treasure

What does Phoebe find in the freezer?

• Chopped vegetables

• A hidden camera

• A note from her mother

• Prepared meals with notes

What does Phoebe's father suggest about the prepared meals?

• They are for a family gathering

• They were made by a neighbor

• They indicate her mother wasn't kidnapped

• They are leftovers from a party