Characters Things we never got over Lucy Score

Waylay Witt: The Niece Who Changed Everything in Things We Never Got Over

Overview

Waylay Witt is the eleven-year-old daughter of Tina Witt and niece of protagonist Naomi Witt. When Naomi arrives in Knockemout, Tina abandons Waylay, leaving Naomi as an unexpected guardian. Over the course of the novel, Waylay transforms from a guarded, cynical child into a trusting member of a new family unit that includes Naomi, Knox Morgan, and the Knockemout community.

Plot Role

Waylay serves as the catalyst for Naomi's decision to stay in town. Her presence forces Naomi to abandon her old plans and embrace an unplanned life. Waylay also becomes a bridge between Naomi and Knox, as both adults prioritize her well-being. Key plot points include:

  • Her discovery in the ransacked motel room (Chapter 3: Naomi finds her sitting on the bed after Tina stole everything)
  • The supermarket confrontation where she admits eating only frozen junk food (Chapter 6: "Waylay admits she eats only frozen junk food")
  • The vole revenge against teacher Mrs. Felch (Chapter 27: Waylay hides in a closet with a pot of voles)
  • Her role in the kidnapping rescue (Chapter 48: She witnesses Duncan's attack and hides)
  • The epilogue showing her at seventeen welcoming new adopted sisters (Chapter 51: "Waylay, now seventeen, meets them on the porch")

Motivations and Traits

Motivations: Waylay craves stability and belonging after a lifetime of neglect from her mother Tina. She tests Naomi's commitment early on, as seen when she calls herself a "wegwerpbaby" (disposable baby) after Naomi discusses work (Chapter 6). Her actions—from stealing to hiding—are often attempts to gain control or punish perceived abandonment.

Traits shown through actions:

  • Resilience: Despite repeated disappointments, she remains defiant. When Naomi confronts Mrs. Felch, Waylay prepares voles for revenge, showing fierce independence.
  • Intelligence: She fixes Liza's iPad (mentioned in Chapter 7: "Liza recognizes Waylay as the iPad fixer") and outsmarts adults.
  • Loyalty: She protects Naomi during the kidnapping (Chapter 48: "Waylays armen achterlangs om me heen sluiten" – arms wrapping around Naomi)
  • Vulnerability: Her fear of being abandoned again surfaces when Knox expresses his commitment (Chapter 49: "Dus je gaat ons niet nog een keer in de steek laten?" – "So you won't leave us again?")

Chronological Arc

  1. Abandonment (Chapters 3‑5): Waylay is left by Tina; she appears expressionless when found. Naomi must take her.
  2. Testing (Chapters 6‑8): Waylay makes it clear she expects to be let down. She challenges Naomi's commitment.
  3. Growing trust (Chapters 13‑15): After Liza J's dinner, she begins to warm up, especially when Knox buys her sneakers and treats her kindly.
  4. Confrontation (Chapters 26‑27): Waylay's teacher bullies her; Naomi defends her fiercely. Waylay attempts revenge with voles but learns to rely on adults.
  5. Crisis and resolution (Chapters 47‑49): Waylay is kidnapped along with Naomi; she witnesses the danger but remains strong. Knox's rescue cements their bond.
  6. Integration (Chapter 51): Five years later, Waylay is a confident teenager welcoming new siblings.

Relationships

With Naomi

Initially suspicious, Waylay slowly recognizes Naomi's dedication. Naomi's refusal to give up on her—especially by confronting the teacher and risking her job—builds trust. By the end, Waylay calls her "tante" and shares jokes (Chapter 49). Their bond is the emotional core of the guardianship theme.

With Knox

Waylay and Knox form an unexpected alliance. He treats her without condescension, allowing her to express her fears. In Chapter 49, Knox assures her he means his love for Naomi: "Ik heb nog nooit iets in mijn leven meer gemeend" ("I've never meant anything more"). Waylay's acceptance of Knox parallels Naomi's.

With the Knockemout Community

Liza J becomes a grandmother figure. Nash becomes a protector. The town rallies around her, as seen in the search party in Chapter 47. Waylay experiences a stable support system missing in her previous life.

Key Decisions and Consequences

1. Waylay's decision to hide with voles: She chooses revenge against Mrs. Felch but ultimately learns that trust in adults is stronger. Consequence: She apologises, and the family forms a protective wall around her.

2. Her decision to trust Knox: After the rescue, she asks if Knox will leave them again. He promises never. This solidifies her acceptance of him as a permanent figure.

3. Choosing to stay with Naomi: Unlike Tina, Naomi never abandons her. Waylay's decision to bond (though implicit) leads to her stable future seen in the epilogue.

Theme and Symbol Connections

  • Found Family: Waylay is the embodiment of this theme. She moves from a single neglectful parent to a loving extended family. » Found Family
  • Self-Worth: Waylay initially sees herself as disposable. Through Naomi and Knox, she learns she deserves love. » Self-Worth
  • Trust and Vulnerability: Her arc shows the difficulty of trusting after betrayal. » Trust and Vulnerability
  • Healing from Trauma: She witnesses Tina's neglect and later violent events, but heals through consistent care. » Healing from Trauma
  • Guardianship and Responsibility: Naomi's decision to become her guardian changes both their lives. » Guardianship and Responsibility

Symbols: Voles represent her defiant creativity; the bike given by Liza J symbolises freedom and mobility; the iPad fixing shows her technical skill and ability to connect.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What happens to Waylay's mother Tina?
    Tina is not present for most of the story. At the end, she is caught attempting to steal a car (Chapter 49: "een vrouw oppikte die beweerde Naomi Witt te zijn… betrapt toen ze probeerde een Mustang te stelen"). It is implied she faces legal consequences, leaving Waylay with Naomi permanently.

  2. Does Waylay accept Knox as a father figure?
    Yes. By the epilogue (Chapter 51), Waylay is seventeen and calls the family home "our home." She is comfortable with Knox and playfully teases him, indicating full acceptance.

  3. Why does Waylay call herself a "wegwerpbaby"?
    In Chapter 6, after Sherry offers Naomi a waitressing job, Waylay feels Naomi sees her as an inconvenience. She uses the term to express her fear of being abandoned again.

  4. What is Waylay's role in the climax?
    She is kidnapped along with Naomi (Chapter 48). Her presence forces Naomi to fight back, and she witnesses Knox's rescue. Afterward, Waylay asks for reassurance, and Knox promises permanence (Chapter 49).

  5. How does Waylay change from beginning to end?
    She starts as cynical, suspicious of adults. By the epilogue, she is a sociable, secure teenager who helps welcome new adopted siblings, showing enormous growth in trust and self-worth.