After Ever After

Chapters 12-18 show character development for Jeff, Tad, and Lindsey as their relationships grow. Jeff and Lindsey become closer, as evidenced by the young girl’s continued acceptance of Jeff as he shares more of his medical history. Though Jeff’s surprise at Lindsey’s positive reaction illustrates his insecurity, the narrative uses Jeff and Lindsey’s interaction to model a genuine and empathetic response to an individual disclosing their disability: “Thanks for talking with me about it. I was afraid to ask. I didn’t want you to think I was shallow, but I wanted to know” (135-36).

Jeff and Lindsey’s relationship also officially takes on a romantic dimension in Chapter 14. The latter is entitled “This Chapter is Private—Keep Out!” and contains only two sentences, which allude to mistletoe—the implication being that the couple kissed. The chapter’s structure and title stand out from the rest of the novel and bring attention to the narrative form itself; Jeff’s direct address to the reader breaks the fourth wall and thereby equates the act of reading with voyeurism, conveying Jeff’s excitement and desire for privacy. At the same time, the chapter is notable for the “normalcy” of its subject matter. In depicting a typical adolescent milestone, it reminds readers that children and teens with disabilities have much in common with their peers.

Jeff’s relationship with Tad faces new challenges in this section of the book. When Jeff confronts his friend about his abrasiveness toward other people, Tad takes it as a challenge: “You inspired me today with your totally rude and unsympathetic remarks. From now on, I am going to be kind to everybody—that’s my beau geste” (131). Their conversation, as well as the incident in Miss Palma’s class that prompted it, further develops the novel’s exploration of disability and privilege. When Tad unkindly minimizes his classmate’s struggles, the teacher tells him, “Just because you have suffered doesn’t mean that your fellow students haven’t” (125). Although she recognizes that Tad’s issues are not comparable with the other students’, she fails to recognize that The Aftereffects of Cancer Treatment include social consequences—like isolation—as well as physical ones. Tad’s anger reveals the complex emotions that are among the personal and social impact of having a life-threatening illness. However, although Tad initially fakes kindness, his efforts to get close to Brianna hint at character growth, including increased confidence.

Further challenges to Jeff’s relationships emerge when Tad and Lindsey start working together in secret. Jeff feels left out and is even more dismayed when Lindsey breaks up with him and Tad distances himself from his best friend. These incidents undermine Jeff’s trust and confidence, creating narrative tension. When Jeff discovers the truth of Tad’s relapse, it signals a turn in the two boys’ relationship. Tad working with Lindsey to help Jeff can be read as a symbolic passing of the torch—Tad passing on the responsibility of caring for Jeff to Lindsey. This foreshadows Tad’s fate and the book’s ending. Tad’s remarks about Yvonne similarly hint at his eventual death, as well as at The Impact of Life-Threatening Illness on Family Dynamics.

Meanwhile, the series of pretests Jeff takes heightens the narrative stakes, as he is now facing both personal and academic challenges that require narrative resolution. Mr. McGrath’s unexpectedly supportive speech emphasizes Jeff’s determination and bravery, while Dr. Galley informs Jeff that he has grounds for a legitimate complaint about the school district policy. Their perspectives validate both Jeff’s abilities and his reasons to oppose standardized testing. Those two ideas represent Jeff’s parents’ opposing stances on the tests, which implicitly starts to reconcile their differing opinions.