Elyse and Ashlynn
Through all of this, Ashlynn remains by the fence, lining up her rocks, intoning “Igneous, metamorphic, sedimentary,” over and over. It’s as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist to her.
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The relationship between Elyse and Ashlynn is sweet and uncomplicated. Ashlynn likes spending time with Elyse because Elyse is calm, patient, and willing to listen to her explanations about rocks. Elyse likes spending time with Ashlynn because Ashlynn accepts her for who she is and doesn’t expect more than Elyse can give. Both girls prefer quiet, low-key activities, hate being around crowds and loud noises, and have had trouble making friends in the past. They find comfort in spending time together.
Each girl has her own set of challenges in life—Elyse has her depression, and Ashlynn has the social and sensory differences that stem from her autism. Mrs. Dube tells Elyse toward the end of the book, “Maybe because of your own struggles, you know how to best help Ashlynn with hers.” Oftentimes the difficulties we’ve been through in life are what make us the most relatable and the best at empathizing with others. And sometimes finding a friend is what can help us overcome our obstacles and recognize strengths we never knew we had. |
