Noughts and Crosses

Noughts and Crosses

by

Malorie Blackman

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Noughts and Crosses: Chapter 48 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Surprisingly, Mum, Dad, and Jude all come home for lunch. It’s even a bit pleasant—Mum makes small talk. Once the meal is over, Callum gets up and says he’s going to the mall. Jude leaps up and says that Callum can’t go there, not today. The room grows tense, but Jude won’t say what’s going on. Mum stares at Jude and suddenly, Callum realizes what’s going on. The Liberation Militia must be planning something at the mall—and Jude is involved. Callum remembers that Sephy is at the mall and bolts out the door.
Just as things seem poised to improve with Callum’s family, Callum senses that everything is going to come crashing down. But while Callum realizes that Jude is trying to protect him and keep him safe, Callum feels loyalty to Sephy as well—he doesn’t want to see her hurt. Prioritizing Sephy’s safety over his own speaks to the depth of Callum’s feelings for Sephy, even if Callum hasn’t voiced them outright.
Themes
Love, Lust, Power, and Violence Theme Icon
Friendship Theme Icon
Family Theme Icon