Redfearn establishes a strong foundation for the theme of Healing Family Trauma and Conflict early in the story by showcasing how all the characters experience conflict before, during, and shortly after the accident. Ann and Jack fight constantly at the novel’s beginning. One major catalyst to the couple’s conflict is Oz’s demanding personality. Finn is keenly aware of the strain her brother’s needs place on her family, despite their love for him:

the one thing about a boy like Oz is no matter how much you love him, you also hate what he does to your life, the way he sucks energy from it and uses up all the air, so relentless and demanding it’s like sometimes you can’t breathe. None of us admitted it when he was alive, but we all felt it (299).

Chloe is 18 and seeking independence from her parents. As a result, she is rebellious, is resentful of her parents’ authority, and openly defies what her parents want, often to her detriment. After the accident, Chloe’s conflict with her parents increases, exacerbated by her deep depression over Vance’s abandonment. Karen and Ann clash when Karen feels Ann betrayed her by prioritizing Mo’s welfare over Natalie’s.