“But for now you need to focus on your health, so you’ll be contributing from the bench.” 

The novel opens on Haley’s dramatic realization that she will no longer be able to play soccer; yet what is most important about this passage is the contrast it provides to the much more significantly life altering event that Jenny has experienced. Haley is forced to develop a more mature perspective on her own experiences to fully support Jenny. Haley’s inability to play soccer becomes the push she needs to grow in many ways, both in her peer relationships, her romantic life, and her sense of self as a student.

“That girl is way stronger than she looks.” 

Though Jenny is often referred to as mouse-like, quiet and studious, Haley observes her being “stronger than she looks” early on in the novel, hinting at the strength that Jenny will have to successfully navigate the investigation. Jenny’s strength appears clearly much later in the narrative, as she begins to speak up for herself more often, both to her peers, faculty at the college, and finally her own parents.