Chapter 28 Summary and Analysis
⚠️ 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
As Knox walks to class, he stares at the cracks in the pavement, still troubled by his mother's undisclosed secrets and wondering what else she might be hiding. Christopher catches up to him, mentioning a Netflix special about pandemics that he has watched multiple times. Knox admits he watched it back-to-back with Contagion while in Hong Kong and couldn't sleep for a week. Christopher asks what it was like to be in Hong Kong when the virus hit, and Knox happily shares details—wearing masks and using toothpicks to press elevator buttons. Christopher is impressed and suggests his parents' restaurant could offer toothpicks to customers signing credit card receipts.
Knox learns that Christopher's parents own a restaurant called Uncle Chang's Sichuan Garden, near Lucky's. Christopher describes his mother's honey walnut prawns, and Knox fondly recalls his lao lao making the same dish for him and his brother Bowen. Knox writes down the restaurant name on a piece of paper, a habit he picked up from Christopher, who uses Post-its to remember things.
Christopher then reveals that fewer customers have been coming to the restaurant because people fear catching the virus. He thanks Knox for standing up for him at recess the previous day. Knox asks if the bullying is constant, and Christopher explains it started after a few COVID-19 cases appeared in San Francisco. Knox offers hand sanitizer, and they both use it. Christopher expresses hope that the pandemic will end soon so he can stop being the target of teasing.
The conversation shifts to Hong Kong. Knox shares what he misses most: his dog, the cheese store man who gave him free cheddar, and especially his father, who still lives there. As they walk, Christopher pulls out a bottle of ADHD medication and takes an orange pill. Knox, excited, reveals he thinks he might have ADHD too. Christopher describes the symptoms—blurting things out, touching things you shouldn't, and feeling constantly in trouble—and Knox recognizes himself immediately. Christopher jokingly diagnoses him, but also reassures him that there's nothing to be ashamed of, despite what Tyler says. Knox learns that Tyler also teases Christopher about his ADHD.
Knox asks if he can have one of Christopher's pills, but Christopher refuses, explaining that his doctor said the medication doesn't work the same for everyone. He offers to give Knox his doctor's number instead. Knox starts to nod but then remembers his family doesn't have health insurance because his mother lost her job. He braces for judgment, recalling how kids in Hong Kong would have reacted. Instead, Christopher simply says he'll give him the number once his mom gets a job. Knox feels relieved and grateful, realizing he finally has a friend who understands him.
Key Events
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Knox reflects on his mother's secrecy while walking to class.
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Christopher and Knox bond over pandemic experiences and the Netflix special.
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Knox learns about Christopher's family restaurant, Uncle Chang's Sichuan Garden, and its decline in customers.
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Christopher thanks Knox for defending him at recess and explains the bullying began after San Francisco cases.
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Knox shares his longing for Hong Kong and his father.
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Christopher takes his ADHD medication, prompting Knox to reveal his suspicion that he has ADHD.
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Christopher describes ADHD symptoms that Knox immediately identifies with.
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Knox asks for a pill, but Christopher refuses and offers his doctor's number instead.
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Knox discloses his family's lack of health insurance, and Christopher responds with kindness.
Character Development
Knox shows growing self-awareness and vulnerability. He openly admits his suspicion about having ADHD, and Christopher's description gives him a sense of confirmation. Knox also reveals his family's financial struggles, something he feared would lead to judgment. His willingness to share these personal details marks a step toward trusting Christopher.
Christopher emerges as a supportive and empathetic friend. He listens to Knox's stories about Hong Kong, thanks him for the recess defense, and offers practical help by sharing his doctor's contact information. His refusal to give Knox a pill demonstrates responsibility and respect for medical advice. Christopher's own experiences with bullying and ADHD make him a relatable and compassionate figure.
The chapter also deepens the boys' friendship. They move from casual acquaintances to friends who share personal struggles and offer mutual support.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
Pandemic anxiety and coping mechanisms are central. Knox's use of hand sanitizer and his description of toothpicks for elevator buttons highlight the heightened precautions people take. Christopher's restaurant losing customers reflects the economic and social impact of the virus.
Xenophobia and racism appear through the bullying Christopher faces after San Francisco cases emerge. The teasing is tied to the pandemic, showing how fear can fuel prejudice.
Friendship and solidarity are evident as Knox defends Christopher and Christopher offers help in return. Their conversation about ADHD and health insurance shows how friendship can provide emotional and practical support.
ADHD and neurodiversity are explored through Christopher's medication and Knox's self-diagnosis. The chapter normalizes ADHD and challenges the shame associated with it, especially in the face of Tyler's teasing.
Economic insecurity is highlighted by Knox's mention of his mother's job loss and lack of health insurance. This contrasts with Christopher's family's restaurant struggles, showing that the pandemic affects many families financially.
Secrecy and withheld information continue from earlier chapters. Knox's thoughts about his mother's secrets suggest unresolved tension that may be explored later.
Nostalgia for Hong Kong is expressed through Knox's memories of his dog, the cheese store, and his father. This longing underscores his sense of displacement and the sacrifices his family made.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is pivotal for Knox's self-understanding and his friendship with Christopher. It marks the first time Knox openly considers that he might have ADHD, and Christopher's validation gives him a new lens for interpreting his own behavior. The chapter also humanizes the pandemic's impact on different families—Christopher's restaurant losing customers and Knox's lack of health insurance—showing how economic precarity intersects with health concerns.
The friendship between Knox and Christopher deepens significantly. Knox finds someone who