Chapter 70: Things to Do When the Boy You Liked Couldn’t Make It (Again)
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Chapter 70 is a short list poem titled “things to do when the boy you liked couldn’t make it (again).” The speaker presents five concrete actions to take after a romantic disappointment. The list begins with creative expression: splattering fiery paint on a canvas and then cooling it with blue washes. Next, the speaker suggests comforting distractions — making popcorn and rewatching a favorite Netflix series, then baking cookie dough before turning to a bookshelf. The fourth item is a return to journaling: writing a poem titled “all the reasons why i am enough.” Finally, the speaker recommends going to the park with a best friend, jumping on a swing, and letting the wind be the only reason her eyes water. Each activity moves from solitary creation to shared comfort, emphasizing self-soothing and reclaiming joy without relying on the boy’s presence.
Key Events
- The speaker lists five specific activities to do after a boy cancels plans again.
- The list includes painting, watching Netflix, baking, journaling, and going to the park with a friend.
- The poem ends with a note about the wind being the only reason for tears.
Character Development
The speaker (assumed to be the novel’s protagonist) shows emotional maturity and a proactive approach to disappointment. Rather than dwelling on the boy’s absence, she deliberately curates a sequence of self‑care actions. Her movement from solitary art to social connection (visiting the park with a best friend) indicates a growing ability to manage her own emotional state. By writing a poem titled “all the reasons why i am enough,” she reinforces her self‑worth independent of romantic validation.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Self‑care as resistance: The list transforms a moment of letdown into an opportunity for intentional nurturing.
- Creative expression: Painting, journaling, and baking are positioned as therapeutic outlets.
- Friendship: The final activity involves a best friend, contrasting with the boy’s absence and highlighting reliable support.
- Reclaiming agency: The act of making a list gives the speaker control over her own experience.
- Wind and tears: The image of the wind making her eyes water suggests she allows herself to feel sadness only in a safe, natural context, not because of the boy.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter exemplifies the novel’s verse style and the protagonist’s internal journey. It condenses a common teenage experience — romantic disappointment — into a practical, empowering response. The list format mirrors the self‑help genre while remaining poetic. It underscores that the speaker’s worth is not contingent on another person’s reliability. In the broader narrative, this poem marks a point where she actively chooses herself over waiting for someone else.
Study Questions and Answers
1. How does the structure of the list contribute to the poem’s meaning?
The numbered list gives the speaker a clear, actionable plan, turning passive disappointment into active self‑care. The progression from solitary to social activities mirrors a healthy coping arc—starting with personal creativity and ending with shared joy.
2. What does the title’s “(again)” suggest about the speaker’s relationship with the boy?
The parenthetical “again” implies this is a recurring pattern, not a one‑time event. The speaker has experienced this letdown before and now has a prepared response, showing growth and resilience.
3. Why does the speaker specify that the wind is “the only reason why your eyes water” on the swing?
This detail draws a clear line between natural physical reactions and genuine emotional tears. It allows the speaker to acknowledge sadness without giving the boy the power to make her cry. The wind provides an excuse for wet eyes, protecting her vulnerability.