Because of the Rabbit

Emma chooses one of the photos that Owen took of her kayaking to print out for the presentation, and the one she took of Owen for herself. Worried that Iris will ask whether she called the Abbots, Emma decides not to ask her father to bring in Lapi to school. She finds a good picture of the family dogs, Molly and Maggie; they can be the “reveal” for the presentation instead of Lapi. Collecting her last “truth” item, she picks her “Keep Going” rock off her windowsill and while holding it thinks of Jack. Jack kept trying to be her friend even though she was “hoping for someone else” (164).

Emma thinks about her “Best Friend Checklist” and Owen’s words of advice, and realizes that she has not met the requirements herself, even with respect to Owen and Lapi. Emma sees that her list: “Likes me best. Likes the things I like. Shares secret jokes. Is always on my side. Lets me be me. Forgives me when I’m sorry” is too much to be fulfilled by one person (165). She realizes that she should work at being a good friend herself rather than focusing on finding a “best friend.