Quote 4
I should probably tell someone, just tell someone. Get it over with. Let it out, blurt it out. (48.8)
Melinda never really stops <em>wanting</em> to talk. Half the time, she's not completely sure though. We aren't told exactly what she's afraid of. What are some negative repercussions she might be afraid of? What's the worst that could happen if she tells?
Quote 5
Mom calls me to remind me to drink lots of fluids. I say "Thank you," even though it hurts my throat. It's nice of her to call me. (76.1)
We like this moment, because Melinda and Mom are trying to communicate and are being considerate of one another.
Quote 6
"Andy Evans will use you. He is not what he pretends to be. I heard he attacked a ninth grader. Be very, very careful." (70.6)
This is the first time Melinda tells anybody anything about Andy. It's dawning on her that she's not Andy's only victim. It takes Andy hanging out with Rachel for Melinda to imagine this. Why do you think Melinda writes an anonymous note? Is it because she feels safer being anonymous, or because she thinks Rachel would disregard the warning if she knew who it was from?