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Chapter 21
Themes
and Colors
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Love, Aubrey, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Grief, Loss, and Healing
Love, Family, and Community
The Value of Routine
Forgiveness, Empathy, and Compassion
Summary
Analysis
Aubrey is in the living room doing her homework when Gram appears. Gram explains that she’s been speaking with Mom on a regular basis, and she’s been doing really well—so well that she’s ready for Aubrey to come home. Gram thinks it could work, but it’s up to Aubrey. Aubrey is overwhelmed: for so long, Gram has been making all her decisions for her, and now she wants Aubrey to decide something for herself? Aubrey asks for Gram’s opinion. Gram admits she would miss Aubrey terribly, but she makes clear this is Aubrey’s decision to make, not Gram’s.
Aubrey is confronted with a huge, complicated decision. After many months of looking after Aubrey when Aubrey was unable to care for herself, Gram gives Aubrey the dignity of making this decision all on her own. It’s a huge responsibility—and one with major stakes.
Active
Themes
Later, Aubrey breaks the news to a heartbroken Bridget. Bridget assumes that Aubrey wants to live with Mom, and she’s confused when Aubrey admits that she’s not sure what she wants to do. She wants to be back with Mom, yes, but she loves her new life in Vermont too, and she’s not sure if she’s ready to leave it just yet. That night, Aubrey starts writing a letter to Mom, questioning whether Mom really knows she’s ready to be a parent again. But she crosses out everything she’s written, leaving the letter unfinished.
