The narrator, Emily, shares her life story, from being born nearly 70% deaf to getting surgery and learning to adapt to a world full of sound. She struggles with feelings of resentment towards her older sister Ava, who she feels receives less attention from their parents. As Emily starts at a new school and befriends a girl named Marina, she begins to understand Ava's perspective and realizes that their parents' overprotectiveness and favoritism have caused Ava to feel unappreciated. When Marina's mom disapproves of their relationship, Emily and Marina face challenges, but ultimately, Emily's sister Ava stands up for them at a school dance. The incident sparks a heart-to-heart conversation between Emily, Ava, and their parents, leading to a newfound understanding and appreciation for each other. The family comes to terms with their past mistakes and makes amends, promising to do better in the future.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Emily was born in New Jersey.
2. Emily has an older sister named Ava.
3. Emily was born with a hearing problem that made her nearly 70% deaf.
4. Emily had to wait until she was older to have surgery to fix her hearing problem.
5. Emily's parents homeschooled her with the help of special tutors.
6. Emily learned to lip read and communicate through speech therapy.
7. Ava was a school topper and a cheerleader.
8. Ava became friends with a girl named Cat, whose dad was powerful and employed many adults in the town.
9. Emily had surgery to fix her hearing problem when she was in the 7th grade.
10. After the surgery, Emily started attending regular school.
11. Emily met a girl named Marina in school, and they became close friends.
12. Emily and Marina started dating.
13. Marina's mom did not approve of their relationship because she did not want Marina to date a girl.
14. Marina's mom tried to split them up, but they remained together.
15. Emily and Ava had a falling out after Emily told their parents about Ava's plan to vandalize the school with Cat.
16. Ava got into trouble and was grounded by their parents.
17. Emily and Marina's relationship continued to blossom, but they faced challenges from Marina's mom.
18. Ava stood up for Emily when Marina's mom confronted them at the spring dance.
19. Ava was given six weeks of detention for pushing Marina's mom.
20. Emily defended Ava to their parents, saying that Ava was standing up for her and that their parents had been unfair to Ava in the past.
21. Emily's parents apologized to Ava for not showing her enough love and attention.
22. The family hugged and made amends, with Emily's parents promising to do better in the future.