A Heart in a Body in the World

“She understands that when push comes to shove, literally or otherwise, that she must rely on other people being good and doing the right thing. And this, as she knows—as she knows very, very well—is a terrifying thing to rely on.” 

After the traumatic incident in which The Taker shot and killed two of the people closest to her, Annabelle struggles to trust others. This quote describes just how difficult it is for Annabelle to trust the kindness of others and highlights her fear and uncertainty, two characteristics of her anxiety.

“You wish you could annihilate some memories, too, but you can’t do that, either. You try. But they pop in.” 

Throughout the novel Annabelle experiences flashbacks of The Taker. This quote describes how Annabelle struggles with intrusive thoughts, a symptom of PTSD.

“The road ahead. Is that where the magic is? That she is, for once, not looking behind?” 

When Annabelle initially begins to run across the country, she’s not sure what compels her to do this. Nevertheless, she feels a need—even if she doesn’t have the words for it—to move ahead, away from the past and toward progress.