Although she cannot speak, Melody and her mother have worked out a communication system that, over time, has become more finely developed and strengthened. Melody notices that “Mom and I can sometimes talk without words” (84), as her mother is more and more adept at knowing what Melody is pointing at or how she is feeling on a particular day. The two develop a rapport where they can tease each other and laugh at jokes. These times fill Melody with resolve, and she wishes “I could tell her I loved her” (85).

Over time, Melody learns a lot about what her mother is thinking and feeling, too. Her mother gets her hooked on Garfield comic strips. The cat intrigues Melody because he cannot talk, yet his thoughts are scripted inside bubbled circles over his head. Melody wishes that she could have someone do that for her, too.

While communication with her mother is much better, Melody has a harder time getting her father to understand what she is saying. She recalls one day where she wanted a Big Mac and a milkshake. Melody uses her communication board to try to tell her father what she wants to eat, but he isn’t able to clarify what she wants.