Content Warning: This section contains descriptions of post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of surviving a school shooting.

“I would have moved to Mars if it got me away from what had happened in Omaha.”

This hyperbole expresses the severity of Simon’s emotional and mental state after the school shooting. Simon was unable to heal while being immersed in the place where the trauma occurred. Simon wanted to move to a place without Internet and television—where nobody would know who he is and where he and his parents could begin Healing From Trauma as a Family.

“Her name is Ms. Snodgrass, and she looks like she’s spent her whole life trying to overcome being called Ms. Snodgrass.”

Simon is very sarcastic, and this form of humor comes in handy for him as he navigates the aftermath of a traumatic experience, understanding The Importance of Humor in Life’s Darkest Moments. Further, Simon has retained this sense of humor despite how his trauma has affected him. Simon has no qualms about poking fun at the people around him but does so in a non-malicious way.

“Sometimes it’s smarter to sit with your back to the wall and your eyes on the exit.”

In this aphorism, Simon comments on his general attitude toward life and trying to blend in to avoid becoming known for his past. Simon was trapped in a classroom during the shooting and now hates the idea of becoming trapped anywhere. He refers here to both a general attitude and a literal physical disposition that cause him to be on constant alert of his surroundings, speaking to the theme of