Hello, Universe

Valencia relates her solar eclipse dream to Kaori. The psychic says the dream means that Valencia is afraid to be alone. Valencia hotly denies that she fears loneliness, but Kaori explains, “Because it’s like you live in a bubble. Everyone looks at you like you’re invisible. And then one day . . . you are invisible. That would be scary to anyone” (187-88). Valencia still isn’t convinced, and Kaori says her powers may be off because she’s worried about Virgil. Valencia relents in her criticism and offers to help look for him.

Kaori, Gen, and Valencia decide to eat before going to search for Virgil, so they make sandwiches in the kitchen. As they talk and snack, Valencia learns that she goes to the same school as Virgil. Gen tries to describe Virgil for Valencia’s benefit. She says he’s brown, skinny, and sad. Valencia thinks, “I wonder how Gen would describe my face to someone else. I wouldn’t want to be described as sad. But maybe I am” (193).  

Still stuck in the well, Virgil continues his imaginary conversation with Ruby. He says his brothers could figure a way out of the well because they’re strong. Ruby points out that strength has nothing to do with physical size.