EWH: Chapter 20
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Ek Was Hier Chapter 20 Summary
What happened, in 50 words:
Chapter 20: Frankie deals with Milan's retrograde amnesia revelation, her world collapsing. Wrestling with raw vulnerability, she confides in her mother, minus details about Milan's gift. Frankie leeches comfort from Banksy and le Rat books, particularly moved by Banksy's 'worthless' rat, mirroring her sense of worth amidst life's upheavals.
Full summary
In Chapter 20, Frankie processes the shocking revelation that Milan doesn't recognize her due to his retrograde amnesia. She remembers a movie moment shared in school about the silent movie by Mel Brooks, with "just one word spoken." This memory seems symbolic as Frankie sits silenced by the enormity of Milan's memory loss. The drive home is silent, with her mind filled with the image of Milan's unrecognizing gaze.
Seeking solace, Frankie locks herself away in her room and goes to bed. She's distressed, her body shakes uncontrollably, and sleep seems an evident escape. Later in the afternoon, Frankie's mother comes to her room with a brimming plate of forbidden comfort foods and a stolen red hibiscus. Triggered by her mother's unconditional show of affection, Frankie breaks down and bares her soul to her, sharing almost everything about her shared journey with Milan.
Frankie silently cribs her feelings, immersing herself in the Banksy and Blek le Rat street art books. While her mother is familiar with Blek le Rat's work, Frankie doesn't mention the cardboard rat that Milan had delivered through her window.
Reflecting on Banksy's piece featuring a rat holding a paint roller, Frankie resonates with the rat's corresponding quote: "Because I'm Worthless." And yet, histories crowned the 'worthless' rat with the capability of leveling civilizations, leaving Frankie ruminating on her worth amongst her personal chaos.