Chapter 11: The Trap
The school day crawls by for Charlie Reese, who is eager to get home and work on the trap for Wishbone. On the bus, her temper flares when Audrey Mitchell tries to take the seat she is saving for Howard Odom. Charlie attempts Howard’s "pineapple" trick to calm down, but it fails, and she shoves Audrey into the aisle, immediately regretting her outburst. When Howard arrives, her anger subsides as they discuss their plan to catch the stray dog.
At Howard's house, his mother praises his good schoolwork, making Charlie feel self-conscious about her own poor grades. In the garage, they meet Howard’s father, who startles Charlie by saying she is the “spitting image” of her Mama (Carla). He reveals that he saw Carla years ago at Gus and Bertha’s house, a piece of information that stuns Charlie, as she had no idea her mother had ever been there.
Mr. Odom helps the children build a sturdy trap. Howard’s older brother, Burl, drives them and the trap back to Gus and Bertha’s. They set it up near the bushes, camouflaging it with leaves and branches. Charlie baits the trap with table scraps, her mind racing with thoughts of both catching Wishbone and her mother’s mysterious past visit to this very mountain.
Chapter 12: A Painful Truth
Charlie and Howard wait by the trap, but Wishbone never appears. After Howard walks home, Charlie remains outside, pondering the new information about her mother. She goes inside and finds Gus and Bertha on the porch, where she finally asks them about her mother's visit. Gus and Bertha exchange a look before Bertha gently confirms that Carla did come to stay with them a long time ago, when Charlie was just a baby.
The conversation takes a painful turn as Bertha reveals the full story. Carla had shown up on their doorstep in the middle of the night, having abandoned Charlie, Jackie, and Scrappy. She told Bertha she was tired of her old life and was "startin' a new one." Bertha’s voice grows sharp with anger as she recalls confronting Carla about leaving her children. The "new life" only lasted a couple of months before Carla, unwilling to hear Bertha’s criticism, stormed off and returned to Raleigh, cutting off all contact. This revelation introduces the deep-seated trauma behind Charlie's anger and reinforces the theme of The Meaning of Family.
Bertha softens, telling a devastated Charlie that her mama loves her but sometimes "loses her way." Shaken, Charlie focuses her thoughts on Wishbone, pouring all her longing into the stray dog. Later, in her room, she realizes she hasn't made her daily wish. Just then, she hears a mockingbird singing in the rain—one of the specific events on her list for Wishing and Hope—and closes her eyes to make her wish.
Chapter 13: The Capture
Life in Colby settles into a routine, but Charlie grows discouraged about catching Wishbone, even after finding the trap empty a couple of times. One afternoon, while eating Popsicles on the porch with Howard, she declares that they are never going to catch him. Howard calls her a quitter, and Charlie’s temper erupts. Ignoring Howard’s attempt to calm her with his "pineapple" trick, she yells, “Well, at least I’m not a squirrel-eating hillbilly like you,” just as Mrs. Odom steps onto the porch. Mortified, Charlie flees on a bike.
Back at Gus and Bertha’s, she hears a noise from the bushes. To her astonishment, Wishbone is inside the trap, eating the leftover meatloaf she’d left as bait. She races over and slams the door shut. The dog is terrified, cowering in the corner. Charlie speaks to him softly, coaxing him with another piece of meatloaf. He cautiously approaches, takes the food from her hand, and gives three small wags of his tail.
Overjoyed, Charlie calls for Bertha, who is thrilled that her meatloaf did the trick. Together, they manage to get an old leather belt on Wishbone as a collar and attach a rope to it. Charlie is ecstatic; she has finally caught the dog she has been wishing for.
Chapter 14: A Girl and Her Dog
Charlie brings Wishbone inside, and after some initial sniffing, he settles down. Gus is pleased to see him, though Bertha insists the dog needs a bath. Charlie is consumed with guilt over her outburst at Howard’s, certain that Mrs. Odom must hate her. That evening on the porch, Wishbone rests his head on Charlie’s foot. Bertha remarks that dogs love you "no matter what," a poignant observation that highlights the theme of Friendship and Acceptance and offers a stark contrast to Charlie's own family situation. For the first time in a long time, Charlie feels thankful.
The next day, she bathes and grooms Wishbone. Afterward, she decides to face the Odoms. She rides the bike to their house with Wishbone running alongside. Howard and his brothers are overjoyed to see the dog and spend the afternoon teaching him tricks. When Mrs. Odom comes outside, Charlie is terrified. However, Mrs. Odom shows her nothing but kindness. She playfully jokes about making "squirrel pie" before putting an arm around Charlie and telling her, "I been needing a girl on my team." This moment of unconditional forgiveness is a pivotal point in Charlie's journey of Healing and Overcoming Trauma. Charlie wishes she could save the perfect moment in a canning jar.
The good mood is slightly dampened when Howard asks when she is leaving. Back at home, Gus presents her with a bone-shaped dog tag engraved with "Wishbone" and a proper red leash. Seeing Wishbone with his own tag makes him feel truly hers, but it also prompts a difficult question in her mind: Where in the world do I belong?
Chapter 15: Gone but Not Forgotten
At church, Charlie proudly adds "I have a dog named Wishbone" to her paper flower on the "Garden of Blessings" board. During Sunday school, the lesson is about sin, and Audrey Mitchell brings up Charlie kicking and shoving her. As Charlie’s temper begins to rise, Howard whispers "Pineapple," and for the first time, it works. In a miraculous moment of self-control, Charlie apologizes to Audrey, who accepts.
The last day of school finally arrives. To feel brave, Charlie wears Jackie’s old majorette boots. She reflects on how distant her old life in Raleigh feels; none of her friends have kept in touch, and even Jackie rarely calls. She feels "gone and forgotten," like the name on a headstone she once saw. She dismisses Bertha’s suggestion to invite her old friends for a visit, convinced they wouldn't enjoy the quiet life in Colby.
On the bus ride home, Charlie looks out the window and sees three birds sitting together on a telephone wire. Recognizing it as one of the signs from her list of things to wish on, she quickly closes her eyes and makes her wish before one can fly away.
Character Development
Charlie's journey takes a dramatic turn as she grapples with the truth about her mother while finding solace in her new life. The unconditional acceptance she receives begins to chip away at her deeply ingrained anger and feelings of worthlessness.
- Charlie Reese: Experiences intense internal conflict upon learning about her mother's abandonment, but begins to heal through the kindness of the Odoms and the companionship of Wishbone. She demonstrates growth by controlling her temper and apologizing to Audrey.
- Bertha: Her fierce protectiveness and deep love for Charlie are revealed, as is her anger towards Carla. She serves as a maternal figure, offering both honesty and comfort.
- Howard Odom: Remains a loyal and patient friend, positively influencing Charlie with his "pineapple" technique, which finally works.
- Mrs. Odom: Emerges as a pivotal figure in Charlie's healing by offering unconditional love and acceptance, contrasting sharply with Charlie's own mother.
- Gus: Continues to provide a quiet, steady presence, showing his acceptance of Charlie and Wishbone through thoughtful gifts.
Themes & Symbols
These chapters delve into the complexities of family, trauma, and the search for belonging. Charlie confronts the painful truth about her mother's abandonment while simultaneously experiencing the healing power of chosen family and unconditional acceptance.
- The Meaning of Family: Explored through the contrast between Charlie's biological mother's abandonment and the unconditional love she receives from Gus, Bertha, and the Odoms.
- Healing and Overcoming Trauma: Charlie begins to heal from her past trauma through the kindness and acceptance she finds in Colby, particularly from Mrs. Odom.
- Wishing and Hope: Charlie's wishing ritual continues to be a coping mechanism, with the capture of Wishbone providing a tangible source of hope and joy.
- Friendship and Acceptance: Howard's unwavering friendship and Mrs. Odom's radical acceptance offer a stark contrast to the rejection Charlie has faced, and her apology to Audrey marks a step toward building healthy relationships.
- Wishbone: Symbolizes the unconditional love, loyalty, and belonging that Charlie craves, representing her desire for connection and security.
Key Quotes
"I been needing a girl on my team."
Mrs. Odom's simple statement encapsulates the unconditional acceptance that Charlie desperately needs. This moment marks a turning point in Charlie's emotional development, as she experiences grace and kindness instead of anger after one of her outbursts, allowing her to believe she might be worthy of love.
Bertha remarks that dogs love you "no matter what."
Bertha's observation highlights the theme of Friendship and Acceptance and offers a stark contrast to Charlie's own family situation. Wishbone's unwavering affection provides Charlie with a sense of security and belonging that she has never experienced before.
Why This Matters and Section Significance
This section of the novel marks a crucial turning point in Charlie's journey. While the external plot of catching Wishbone is resolved, it gives way to a deeper exploration of Charlie's emotional landscape. The revelation about her mother re-frames her backstory, explaining the source of her anger and feelings of worthlessness.
However, this painful discovery is juxtaposed with the kindness she receives from her new community. The scene with Mrs. Odom is a pivotal moment, shifting the central conflict from an external goal to an internal one: learning to accept love and find belonging in a world where her biological family has failed her.