Phoebe's Family Dynamics and Concerns

Phoebe spends a restless night fearing a lunatic might return. In the morning, she feigns illness to avoid school, but her father insists she goes. At school, Phoebe claims to have a heart attack, but the nurse dismisses it. Phoebe lies about her mother's whereabouts, claiming she's in London. She searches for clues at home, suspecting a kidnapping. Her father reassures her, but Phoebe remains unconvinced. The day ends with reflections on family and loss.

What does Phoebe fear at night?

• A lunatic

• A storm

• A ghost

• A thief

Why does Phoebe's father insist she goes to school?

• She has a test

• She has a project due

• He wants her to see friends

• He doesn't believe she's sick

What does Phoebe's father give her to look up 'malinger'?

• A novel

• A textbook

• A dictionary

• A thesaurus

How does Phoebe's sister Prudence react to their mother's absence?

• She is indifferent

• She cries

• She is excited about cheerleading

• She is angry

What does Phoebe's father say about the sweater?

• It's new

• It's torn

• It's old

• It's missing

What does the narrator reflect on?

• Her mother's return

• Her school life

• Her father's job

• Her mother's absence

What does Phoebe claim to have at school?

• A headache

• A heart attack

• A cold

• A fever

Why does Phoebe lie about her mother's whereabouts?

• To hide the truth

• To avoid questions

• To impress friends

• To make a joke

What do Phoebe's classmates discuss?

• Their parents' travels

• Their hobbies

• Their travels

• Their pets

What does Phoebe's father think about the lunatic theory?

• It's plausible

• It's far-fetched

• It's proven

• It's a joke