The Elephant In The Room

This concluding section underscores Sila's healing journey throughout the narrative. Through caring for Veda, Sila learns patience and compassion for others and herself. Sila's healing progress is evident in three key areas: her quest to find Veda's mother, her interactions with Mateo, and her return to school.

When Sila visits Mateo's house for the first time, she leaves abruptly because Rosa makes her miss Oya. Generally, Sila avoids discussing parents or family, as the longing for Oya is still too painful to bear. However, for Veda's sake, Sila endures this pain. It starts with Sila pondering about Veda's background on her mother's birthday, her grief prompting her to wonder if Veda also misses someone. This moment echoes Gio's own loss, as his longing for his wife helps him recognize Sila's sadness. Reflecting on Veda suddenly brings Sila to life, transforming her from a brooding, silent figure into someone animated by the thought of helping others. Sila’s commitment to helping Veda highlights the theme of Solidarity and Advocacy in the Face of Injustice, showcasing how Sila herself experiences growth and joy through advocating for another.

As Gio and Sila’s cross-generational friendship deepens, both experience healing and growth, suggesting the power of Overcoming Isolation Through Family and Community Bonds. To comfort Sila, Gio gives her a binder that his wife, Lillian, kept for Sila's class. Letting go of anything connected to his wife is not easy for Gio, but he finds solace in thinking about the future with Veda, Mateo, and Sila in his life. Giving Sila the binder is his way of hoping she, too, can find comfort in looking at the past. Sila's response to the binder reveals her growth throughout the story. Initially skeptical of praise, when she reads Lillian Gardino's words describing her as "the sweetest little girl in the world" (205) she starts to believe them: "She didn't feel as sad now. Her mother's birthday and Mrs. Gardino's words had intertwined in a hopeful way" (205). Like Gio, Sila learns to draw strength from past memories and future possibilities, using both to aid in her healing process.

Sila's changing attitude toward Mateo also exemplifies her personal development, bringing the novel’s exploration of The Role of Empathy in Cultivating Relationships to a close. Initially, Sila feels unsure about Mateo, but their relationship gradually evolves into a friendship. However, Sila understands that "Mateo didn't have the same reactions to things as most kids. The key to their friendship was to not expect him to" (180). Sila becomes more open-minded and learns to embrace Mateo's unique perspective. When she suggests they go to Arizona to visit Mahdi, Veda's mother, Sila initially becomes frustrated with Mateo's response. Instead of reacting impulsively as she might have done earlier in the story, Sila pauses and reflects on her approach, realizing that “she shouldn't have jumped into the conversation that way. She needed to stay in order" (228). She must adjust her communication style to better connect with Mateo. Sila's willingness to adapt and understand Mateo's emotions reflects her growth. She learns to interpret Mateo's mood and expressions, recognizing his happiness even when it does not manifest in typical ways. In a picture of her and Mateo, Sila notes, "She was laughing in the picture and looked joyous. Mateo's expression was serious, but his hands had been caught midair flapping, which she knew meant he was as happy as she was" (233). Despite reconnecting with her old friends, Sila still prioritizes spending time with Mateo, demonstrating the depth of their friendship and Sila's growth.

Sila's return to school marks a significant milestone in her growth, occurring independently of Oya's return. She sleeps through “the early caravan of freight cars” for the first time since her mother left (233). Before preparing for the day, Sila reflects on the words Mrs. Gardino wrote about her: "She was once sweet. But not anymore. Now she was, she decided, strong. It wasn't how the world saw her but how she saw herself that felt important" (234). Initially concerned about others' perceptions of her, she now values her self-image more. After almost a year, choosing to wear her favorite shirt on the first day of school signifies Sila's acceptance and readiness to embrace the future. Instead of dwelling on the past or blaming external factors like her shirt for her loss, Sila moves forward with optimism and determination. She emerges as a stronger individual despite still missing her mother. While Oya's eventual return may further strengthen Sila, her journey of growth and healing illustrates her resilience and inner strength.