Bob

“Actually, maybe I do remember one thing. I think I remember a wrong chicken. I remember chickens, and one chicken that was different. One chicken was not like the other chicken, is what I remember.”

It becomes clear that the “wrong chicken” is actually Bob. That Livy disguised Bob as a chicken to hide him among the chickens displays her creativity and imagination but is also indicative of Livy’s understanding that she must keep Bob hidden from adults. Similarly, the novel’s conflict is dependent upon Livy remembering the promise she made to Bob five years ago. Here, she begins to remember parts of that promise.

“She said my name. Bob. It makes me feel. . . well, seen. And heard. Like I’m a person. Or whatever I am. I’m glad I’m not invisible after all.”

That he exists and that his existence is acknowledged by others is important to Bob. To be seen is in contrast with the way in which Bob must remain hidden in the closet or must sneak about disguised as a chicken when he ventures outside. His desire to be “seen” is his desire to have connections and bonds with others, instead of being isolated.

“‘I’m glad you’re remembering some things from last time,’ [Livy’s mother] tells Livy. ‘It’s always nice to return to somewhere you’ve already made happy memories.’”

Livy’s mother’s words are intended merely as conversation. However, readers recognize that Livy’s remembering is key to discovering who Bob is and where he comes from. The verbal irony is lost on Livy’s mother, but they speak to the importance of memory to connect Livy to her past and her promise to help Bob.