Chapter 6: Tea and Chapter 7: Out
Heidi and Bernadette sift through the twenty-three photographs, a window into Mama's past. The images depict a Christmas party populated by people with disabilities, offering the first glimpse of Mama's life before Reno. Among the attendees, they spot a skinny Santa, a boy with dark eyes, and a slightly blurred image of a young Mama standing next to a blonde woman in a red reindeer sweater, sparking the central theme of The Search for Identity and History.
One photo reveals a sign: "Hilltop Home, Liberty, New York." Heidi, hopeful this will jog Mama's memory, shows her the picture. Mama responds with "Soof," but when pressed for clarification, she becomes agitated and repeatedly asks for tea. Frustration boiling over, Heidi rips the photograph in half. Later, Bernadette brings Mama in with tea, and Mama wordlessly pushes the torn pieces of the photo toward Heidi, again saying "Uh-oh... Soof," highlighting The Power and Limitations of Words in their lives.
Chapter 8: More and Chapter 9: Back Soon
The discovery of Hilltop Home becomes Heidi’s obsession. Bernadette's calls to Liberty are blocked by a receptionist who insists that only Thurman Hill can authorize the release of records. Heidi finds the red reindeer sweater in a closet, solidifying her resolve to go to Liberty. She confronts Bernadette about her agoraphobia ("A.P."), urging her to step outside. Bernadette manages only one step before collapsing in a panic attack, witnessed by Zander, their neighbor, who helps Heidi bring her back inside.
Realizing Bernadette cannot travel, Heidi decides to go alone. She calls Greyhound and learns a round-trip ticket costs 314 in quarters at a slot machine and enlists Judi, a tough-looking woman at the station, to buy her the ticket. Back home, Heidi's confession to Bernadette sparks a fierce argument. Bernadette throws the ticket on the floor. They eventually reconcile, but the fight leaves a scar. On the day of her departure, Bernadette helps Heidi prepare, giving her a map and the mended red sweater.
Chapter 10: Go
At the bus station, Heidi meets Alice Wilinsky, who is traveling with five kittens. They board the bus together. Heidi opens Bernadette’s gift and puts on the red reindeer sweater. To distract herself, Heidi starts a list: "Things I Have Never Seen Before." Alice talks about her large family, making Heidi feel jealous and aware of her own lack of history. She lies, inventing a glamorous backstory about her grandmother being friends with Shirley Temple.
Alice gently reveals she knows Heidi is lying. Mortified, Heidi blurts out the truth: "I don’t have a birthday... and my mama’s got a bum brain and I’m not sure if I have a grammy or not." Alice doesn't comprehend Heidi's reality. When Alice gets off the bus in Salt Lake City, Heidi feels more alone than ever.
Key Quotes
"money is money, man."
Judi's defense of Heidi paying in rolls of quarters highlights her no-nonsense attitude and willingness to help someone in need. This small act of defiance against societal norms underscores the theme of unconventional kindness and support.
"Back soon, Heidi?"
Mama's innocent question encapsulates the emotional weight of Heidi's journey. It underscores Mama's dependence on Heidi and the uncertainty of their future, adding a layer of poignancy to Heidi's departure.
"I don’t have a birthday... and my mama’s got a bum brain and I’m not sure if I have a grammy or not."
This raw confession to Alice is a pivotal moment of vulnerability for Heidi. It reveals the core of her insecurity and the painful reality of her unknown past, driving her quest for identity and belonging.
Character Development
- Heidi It: Heidi transforms from a curious child to a determined young woman, taking control of her destiny. She becomes resourceful, brave, and even deceptive, revealing the complexities of her Coming of Age and Independence.
- Bernadette: Bernadette's love for Heidi is contrasted with her agoraphobia. She shifts from a prohibitive guardian to a supportive facilitator, recognizing Heidi's need for answers.
- Zander: Zander evolves into a compassionate friend, offering support without judgment and solidifying his role in Heidi's Unconventional Family and Love.
Themes & Symbols
- The Search for Identity and History: The photographs, "Hilltop Home," and the red sweater launch Heidi's journey to uncover her origins.
- Coming of Age and Independence: Heidi's decision to travel alone marks her transition from childhood to adolescence.
- The Nature of Truth and Knowledge: Heidi’s interaction with Alice explores the function of lies. When her lies are exposed, she realizes that fabricated stories are a poor substitute for real knowledge.
- The Red Sweater: The sweater symbolizes the connection between the past and present, representing love, protection, and the history Heidi seeks.
- The Open Door: The apartment door symbolizes both freedom and fear. For Heidi, it is a gateway to the outside world; for Bernadette, it represents the prison of her agoraphobia.
Why This Matters
These chapters mark a turning point in the story. Heidi's desire for knowledge transforms into action. Her decision to travel alone severs her dependence and launches her into the unknown. This journey is the core of Heidi's coming-of-age story. The events here establish the emotional stakes and physical dangers of her quest, setting the stage for the revelations that await her in Liberty.