Contents
Via’s Secret
Overview
After spring break, Mom discovers Via hid her high school play, triggering a heated argument about secrecy and attention. Via rejects the idea of her parents attending, revealing resentment over lifelong neglect. The confrontation underscores growing family strain, while August quietly overhears with his new hearing aids.
Summary
In the days after spring break, Mom learns that Via kept quiet about an upcoming high school play. Surprised and hurt, Mom confronts Via, and their disagreement quickly escalates.
Via argues the play is unimportant because she has no speaking role and insists she does not want the family there, even though her boyfriend is performing. Mom presses, suggesting they should support the boyfriend, but Via rejects this and accuses Mom of suddenly paying attention after years of leaving her alone.
The shouting peaks and then abruptly stops. August, listening from the hallway with his new headband hearing aids, picks up only fragments before the house falls silent, signaling unresolved tension between Mom and Via.
Who Appears
- ViaHides her school play and lashes out at Mom, revealing resentment about long-standing neglect.
- MomConfronts Via about keeping the play secret and pushes to support the boyfriend’s performance.
- August PullmanNarrator who overhears the argument with his new hearing aids, noting the family tension.