The game of “gotcha” is a motif for Embracing the Unpredictability of Life. The surprises in the game symbolize unpredictability, but, ultimately, it is up to the players to embrace and navigate the unexpected. By introducing surprises to its players, gotcha demonstrates how some situations in life can leap out, “scaring the hell out of everyone” (80). When Delia tells Macy of Wish’s death, she says “it was the biggest gotcha in the world” (99). In a way, the death of Macy’s father was the biggest gotcha she’s ever experienced. While at first, Macy hates the game because she views all gotchas as negative, she learns to appreciate it.

Gotcha also tests a person’s ability to adapt to lack of control, especially concerning situations they cannot predetermine. This is a skill Macy must eventually learn as she lets go of her obsession with perfection and incessant need to control everything. The penultimate test of gotcha is when Macy is shocked to see Wes at Word of Waffles with Becky. At this point in the novel, Macy has not fully embraced life with all its chaotic imperfections. Macy doesn’t yet understand that embracing doesn’t necessarily mean accepting one’s circumstances, but rather adapting and then reassessing how to proceed.