I think this might be a metaphor for death? Or it might be saying something unclear about growing up, or faith? Honestly, I don’t care what it’s saying, I just loved all the unanswered questions, and unlikable characters, and how you can’t nail any messages down. I think this is a book that really trusts children as readers. It doesn’t condescend to them or relate to them or try to teach them a darn thing. It just sits with them in the confusion that is being an adolescent. It’s really an impressive feat.