Cosmic

“When you’re in it, space looks like the biggest firework display ever—except it’s on pause. It looks like freeze-frame fireworks. Even if you’re Completely Doomed, you’ve got to be impressed.”

This quote uses simile and imagery to depict space as both beautiful and terrifying, comparing it to frozen fireworks to emphasize its stillness and the sense of awe that Liam feels. The capitalization of “Completely Doomed” adds a touch of dark humor and irony, acknowledging danger while marveling at the wonder of space; Liam vacillates between these ideas throughout the novel. This reflects the sense of adventure that motivates his actions.

“Dad was furious because while he’d been worrying himself sick I hadn’t been worried at all. Why wasn’t I worried? Because I knew he’d come back for me. I never thought for a minute he wouldn’t. When you’re a kid you think your dad can do anything.”

This quote reveals Liam’s idealized perception of fatherhood, using childlike logic and repetition to show how much he trusted his dad. Ironically, because Liam has yet to experience what it’s like, he doesn’t yet fully understand The Importance of Fatherhood, introducing this as an important theme. The last line is both nostalgic and bittersweet, emphasizing a universal childhood belief in parental strength. In addition, it foreshadows Liam’s journey into becoming a father figure, where he’ll experience increasing maturity and responsibility.

“I slashed at the brown candy floss with Dad’s razor, which did get rid of it. Sadly, it also got rid of a lot of blood.”

Dark humor and sensory imagery help convey Liam’s desperate, clumsy attempt to appear older by shaving off his facial hair. The