When the novel begins, Emma has just finished undergoing cancer treatment and is waiting for the results of her latest round of tests. How has Emma’s cancer created the situation that leads to Janice disappearing and Leo learning all of Emma’s secrets? How has cancer altered Emma’s relationship with Leo? How does the prospect of death change the relationship between Emma and Leo?

Emma constantly checks on Ruby’s breathing throughout the novel. Why does she do that? What does it say about her strengths and weaknesses as a mother? How does it explore the theme of The Emotional, Physical, and Mental Impact of Motherhood? How does it relate to Emma’s experiences with Charlie as an infant?

The author introduces John Keats, a dog who needs to listen to music to soothe his nerves. Why does Walsh introduce the dog? What purpose does he serve in the overall plot? What does the way in which Leo and Emma treat the dog say about their characters? Their parental nature?