In the plot and the subplot, Sal and Phoebe experienced a significant event because both of their mothers left. Sal was living in Bybanks, Kentucky on their farm, then her mother left to go find herself. Phoebe and her family lived in Euclid, Ohio and her mother left to see Mike Bickle. Sal says, “Don't worry, Phoebe,” I said. She snapped, “I am not worried, (page 127). Sal says, “I wondered if this was how my father felt when I threw all those temper tantrums when my mother left,” (page 155). After Sal’s mother left both Sal and her dad struggled without her mother. They weren't sure how to act and Sal was throwing temper tantrums because her mom left. Even the animals were struggling. That was similar as to Phoebe. After her mother left Phoebe