Chapter Thirty: Because of Rock That’s Broken

Summary

• Eugene communicates through letter-by-letter spelling to share his story, revealing the phrase "We made up."
• Eugene struggled to express his thoughts, taking much longer than speaking due to his condition.
• His sister, Anjeli, was supportive and patient, encouraging him to use shortcuts for easier communication.
• Eugene reveals that their father talked to him, apologized, and explained his actions after Anjeli's advice.
• Anjeli had prompted their father to talk to Eugene, leading to a reconciliation.
• The conversation with their dad reassured Eugene, who was worried about family skepticism and the pressure for perfection.
• Eugene recounts how the family planned to celebrate the revelation of his communication abilities.
• The celebration was canceled because Anjeli couldn't come due to a misunderstanding.
• Eugene faces a setback when pepper-sprayed by a woman after a confrontation with teenagers.
• The incident with the spray leads to a breakthrough where Eugene starts spelling with his dad's support.
• They share a profound emotional exchange, using the letter board to communicate, solidifying their bond.
• Anjeli and Eugene's family treasure the moment of their breakthrough despite the traumatic circumstances surrounding it.
• Anjeli mistakenly assumes the breakthrough was recorded, feeding into skepticism about Eugene's abilities.
• Eugene continues his story, detailing an upsetting encounter with boys at the park.
• As Eugene reveals more, the family realizes the details align suspiciously with a previous private conversation.
• The chapter concludes with the revelation that their father is gone, and Eugene, overwhelmed, retreats to his room for solace.