Memories of the past
At the end of the book, readers can notice that Astrid decorates suitcases and makes amazing compositions. In each suitcase, there are different pictures, pieces of cloth and decoration. Starr and Ray share “a plastic cloth suitcase with cracked leather bindings, bleached tan with a faded plaid.” Marvel’s is “turquoise.” Here is Rena, “a brown leather case lined in green figured velvet holding a spread-eagled wax nude with a white cat head made in white bunny fur.” It is Astrid’s personal museum. The imagery of all suitcases gives an impression of all Astrid’s foster parents and their personalities.
Perfect father
Astrid always dreams to have a devoted father. She begins to watch fathers, in the stores, on the playgrounds, pushing their daughters on swings. She likes how they “seem to know what to do.” They are a “dock, firmly attached to the world; their daughters can be safe then, not always drifting.” These fathers are very “caring and look happy” together with their children. The imagery of men together with their children gives an impression of ideal fathers, who will never abandon their families.
Prophetic dream
Once, Astrid has a dream about her mother. In her dreams, her mother walks through “a city of bricks and rubble, a city after war”, and Ingrid is “blind, her eyes empty and white as stones.” There are “tall apartments” all around her, with triangles over windows, “all bricked up and burning.” Suddenly, Astrid sees her mother’s “face is melted and horribly pliable.” The next day, Ingrid is imprisoned. The imagery of Astrid’s dream gives an impression of the further difficult life of Ingrid.
Claire’s death
Claire is Astrid’s foster mother. Before bedtime, Claire quarrels with her husband. The next morning when Astrid wakes up, she goes to Claire. The room is “dark gray.” Claire has “one hand flung across the top of the pillow.” “Her mouth is open”, but she is not snoring now. She “smells of sherry and something metallic.” She does not move. Astrid finds the pills for Insomnia on the floor, “along with the empty sherry bottle.” The imagery of Claire’s death gives an impression of the greatest loss and suffering of Astrid.
