“Arthur wishes Nola were like spring; he wishes she would come back again and again. They wouldn’t even have to be together; he just wants her presence on Earth.”

This passage illustrates Arthur’s experience with Coping with Grief and Finding New Beginnings as he reflects on life without Nola. This is a profound loss for Arthur, and he desires to just have Nola somewhere on Earth, even if it isn’t with him, demonstrating the depth of their connection and the importance of their love in Arthur’s life.

“A promise is a promise, even if it’s only one you made to yourself.”

This quote exemplifies Arthur’s character traits of loyalty, devotion, and consistency. Despite bad weather or poor health, he is committed to visiting Nola’s grave each day. It is an example of the principled and steadfast way Arthur conducts himself.

“She can sing, she’s a good dancer, she can curl her tongue on demand, every dog and cat on the street comes up to her, she’s an amazingly fast reader. Now she can show someone everything: her heart, her humor, her loyalty.”

A key facet of Maddy’s personality is that she longs to be seen for who she truly is rather than how others perceive her. She is misunderstood and shunned by her peers and dismissed by Anderson as “just” a kid, but this passage illustrates how she is seeking love and stability. This opportunity will come from an unlikely source in her relationships with Arthur and Lucille.