Read the excerpt from The Red Umbrella by Christina Diaz Gonzalez.
As George strode to the car, I glanced back to see Frankie watching me.
I gave him a small wave. Frankie just kept staring.
I bent down, picked up my bag, and walked into the building. . . . For such a large building, it was strangely quiet, as if even sounds got lost inside. The hallway seemed to stretch on for miles. The heavy double doors creaked as they closed behind me. I quickly turned back and looked through the doors’ narrow windows. My heart shattered. I could see Frankie’s hands splayed against the station wagon’s side window as I heard his muffled yell. "Luuuciiiaaa!”
Which theme is best expressed by the excerpt?
Some situations can be more difficult than anticipated.
Facing a challenge can cause positive change.
Being separated from loved ones is often painful.
New places will likely be strange for a long time.
