Silence
Ms. Gold and Dave began their ride to the court “in total silence.” There was nothing to be said. Dave was convinced that everything that happened was his fault, that he would be sent back to his mother, that the evening would be spent in the garage. Finally, Ms. Gold “broke the ice,” explaining “in a soft voice that today the judge would decide” whether Dave was to become “a permanent ward of the court” or to be returned to his mother’s custody. Dave continued to keep silence, for he “didn’t have the energy to resist anymore.” (Metaphor)
Angry (Metaphor)
Dave could pretend that Larry Jr.’s insults meant nothing to him. He could always go to his room and try to forget about yet another unpleasant incident involving Larry Jr. but that particular time Dave could not restrain himself. Seeing how Larry Jr. treated Chris made his “blood boil.” That was so unfair that he had to “so something” and stop Larry.
Almost okay (Metaphor)
According to Ms. Gold, Dave was “okay” for the most part. Of course, he had a lot of problems but it was understandable. They even expected him to be a little bit angry and confused! Of course, everything turned out to be more difficult than anyone could imagine, but Ms. Gold didn’t stop believing in a miracle. She was sure that as soon as Dave would “iron out a few wrinkles” which meant to modify his behavior, everything was going to be fine.
Scared (Simile)
Unfortunately for her, Aunt Mary got a chance to meet Mrs. Pelzer, Dave’s mother, whose abusive behavior almost costed her son a life. Of course, the police officer had informed Aunt Mary about the case and accusations against Mrs. Pelzer, so she knew what kind of a person Mrs. Pelzer was. When she spoke to Mrs. Melzer, muscles on Aunt Mary’s arm became “tight as a drum.” She was nervous.
Caged (Simile)
That evening Dave almost ran away. However, a little kid couldn’t avoid attracting the police’s attention. When Dave’s father finally came to take him home, Dave felt crushed. Sitting in his dad’s car, he felt “like a trapped animal” who wanted “to claw its way through the glass.”
Well-trained (Simile)
When Dave’s mother and his brothers came to visit him to his first foster home, Dave tried to sit as close to Aunt Mary as possible. He couldn’t help it! As soon as he saw his mother, he became his old self “like a trained dog.” He didn’t dare to breath freely, speak openly or even more. He was perfectly aware of consequences he could face if his mother didn’t lie something.
