How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
So I look at them sitting there and I say, "I'll be up in my room. I've got to figure out what to do."
And it's true. I've got to figure it out. Because this, what's happening right now, this is about me. (1.82-83)
Moping and watching television all day isn't going to solve anything, and Bobby knows that. Instead of hanging around and talking to his parents, he decides that it's time for him to go and think about how to reverse his situation.
Quote #2
Part of me wants to give up, go home. When that doctor called, she said they were fine. But doctors always say that. People die in hospitals, even after the doctors tell you they're "fine." This thought gives me a chill that settles in the pit of my stomach. (6.12)
It's pretty risky to visit his parents in the hospital, but Bobby does it anyway. Sure, he's scared that he'll get caught or won't be able to catch a cab back home, but it doesn't matter because he has to carry out his duty as their only son.
Quote #3
It's about 65 degrees, so it feels like when the air conditioner is up on high. I can bear it, so I'm going for a walk. Today. Right now. In the sunshine. Because I can. Because I want to. Because I'm not going to just sit around and wait for stuff to happen anymore. I'm still me, and I have a life. It's a weird life, but it's still mine. (8.41)
Calling his life "weird" is possibly the understatement of the century. But despite the weirdness of his situation, Bobby still feels like he's got to take ownership of his own life. And to start with, he should be able to go outside… even if that means being naked on the streets of Chicago.
Quote #4
Then she stops laughing. And she says, "I think you're so brave, Bobby. Really. Like, to go and visit your mom? And this afternoon, telling me about what's going on? That was brave too." (12.47)
Bobby may not feel brave, but Alicia sees him for who he really is: a boy who is willing to do anything to set things right again. Even if he doesn't have a clue what he's doing, he's still going to carry on with his life.
Quote #5
[…] I'm being a detective. I start by writing down everything I can remember about the two days before the suspect disappeared. What the suspect ate, what he wore, where he went, who he talked to, where he sat, how many times he washed his hands—as much as I can remember… Because there must be a clue somewhere. People don't just disappear. (14.24)
There's nothing left to do now but start playing detective in order to figure out what caused Bobby's invisibility. He's going to leave no stone—or blanket—unturned.
Quote #6
I cut in. "Guys, you know, it might be time to just tell them what's really going on. You haven't done anything wrong. This is my problem, and they're trying to stick the blame on you." (16.46)
It's nice and all that Bobby's parents are willing to serve jail time for him, but he knows that it's not their fight. He's got to figure out this situation himself, because it's his responsibility and his life.
Quote #7
And I tell myself that Dad knows I'm not a little kid anymore, that he knows I'm mature enough to face facts. And I tell myself that in real life, things get messed up, and sometimes they stay that way. And I tell myself I'm proud of myself for being so mentally strong, so tough-minded. (18.149)
Even in the face of bad news—like the fact that it may take years to bring his visibility back—Bobby remains stoic. He's not a little kid anymore, and he has to accept the facts as they are.
Quote #8
And the recording goes on for about three minutes. I work my way through the menus and get to the consumer merchandise customer service line. Then I have to slog through nine choices until finally I'm asked to hold for the next available customer service representative. (19.10)
Ugh, if there's anything that tries a person's patience and will, it would definitely be calling customer support. Bobby must really want to get information about the electric blanket if he's willing to wait on hold with a retailer.
Quote #9
I'm the Greek warrior again, more like general now, planning my campaign, getting my troops ready for battle. "Simple. I can get inside the building, find the right office, get the information, and then print out a list or make a disk or something, but I can't carry floating paper or plastic around, at least not for a very long time." (19.56)
With that kind of confidence, Bobby could probably get anyone to go along with his plan. He's determined to get into the legal department and steal that list of complaints, even if it means that he has to stuff a square of paper into his bare armpit.
Quote #10
I push the button to end the call, and I see the phone wobbling. That's because my hands are shaking. Maybe this is nothing, just a coincidence. But if there's anything at all to find out, I will. Because now I have Sheila Borden's e-mail address. (22.53)
All that persistence has paid off, and Bobby finally has a clue—someone else who disappeared under mysterious circumstances after using the electric blanket, just like him.