Contents
The Padawan Bites the Dust
Overview
Via reacts with unexpected anger when August cuts off his cherished Padawan braid, reading it as a sign of deeper hurt. As Mom focuses on August after his bad day, Dad comforts Via with humor and perspective. The chapter underscores family strain, shifting loyalties, and Via’s growing isolation.
Summary
Via recalls discovering that August cut off his Padawan braid sometime that night and feels surprisingly angry. She frames the braid as a symbol of August’s Star Wars pride and his bond with Christopher, which makes the sudden, unexplained cut feel like a loss and a sign of distress.
Via reflects on August’s careful grooming rituals, noting how he studies his reflection for angles that might change how he looks, underscoring his self-consciousness. The family atmosphere is tense after difficult days for both siblings.
Mom checks in on Via after dinner, looking exhausted, and gently asks what’s wrong. Via, not ready to discuss Miranda, postpones the conversation and asks to have Daisy sleep with her. Mom promises to return but doesn’t, signaling her preoccupation with August.
Dad comes instead, explaining that August had a bad first day and Mom is helping him. He probes Via’s day; she admits Miranda and Ella acted like jerks but hides taking the subway alone. Dad lightens the mood by joking about War and Peace and urges Via not to be mad at Mom. He brings Daisy to her bed and says good night, leaving Via comforted yet still isolated.
Who Appears
- Via (Olivia Pullman)Narrator; upset by August cutting his braid, withholds friend troubles, seeks comfort from Dad and Daisy.
- August (Auggie) PullmanCuts off his Padawan braid after a bad day; obsessively grooms, revealing self-consciousness.
- MomExhausted and focused on helping Auggie after his rough day; misses checking back with Via.
- DadComforts Via with humor, advises compassion toward Mom, brings Daisy to sleep with Via.
- DaisyFamily dog; sleeps with Via, providing comfort on a difficult night.