Contents
An Apparition at the Door
Overview
Via recalls waking at night to find Mom silently standing outside Auggie’s door, listening to his breathing. Mom reassures Via and tucks her in without explanation. The moment underscores Mom’s constant vigilance over Auggie and deepens Via’s quiet fear of being less noticed.
Summary
In the middle of the night, Via wakes for a drink and finds Mom motionless at Auggie’s doorway, hand on the knob, forehead against the ajar door. The unlit hallway and the blue glow from Auggie’s night-light make Mom appear ghostlike, as if guarding or listening to his breathing.
Concerned, Via asks if Auggie is okay, recalling his tendency to choke when lying on his back. Mom assures Via that Auggie is fine, then embraces Via, walks her back to bed, pulls up the covers, and kisses her good night. Mom offers no explanation for standing there.
Left to reflect, Via wonders how often Mom keeps such vigils outside Auggie’s room—and whether Mom has ever stood outside Via’s door the same way. The memory crystallizes Via’s sense of Mom’s constant watch over Auggie and her own insecurity about receiving equal attention.
Who Appears
- MomStands outside Auggie’s door at night listening to his breathing; reassures and tucks Via back into bed.
- ViaNarrator; observes Mom’s midnight vigil for Auggie and questions whether she receives similar attention.
- August (Auggie)Asleep in his room; his breathing draws Mom’s silent nighttime watch.