Ball game Quote by Suzanne Collins
““As miserable as Gregor felt about being dumped with a rat, his heart ached for Vikus. He wanted to scream at Luxa, "Say something! Don't let your granpa fly off like this! Four of us aren't coming back!" But the words caught in his throat. Part of him wasn't ready to forgive Vikus for abandoning them, either. "Fly you high, Gregor the Overlander," said Vikus. Gregor struggled with how to respond. Should he ignore Vikus? Let him know that none of them, not even an Overlander, could forgive him? Just as he had steeled himself against replying, Gregor thought of the last two years, seven months, and was it fifteen days now? There were so many things he wished he'd said to his dad when he'd had the chance. Things like how special it was when they went on the roof at night and tried to find the stars. Or how much he loved it when they took the subway out to the stadium to watch a baseball game. Or just that he felt lucky that out of all the people in the world, his dad was his dad. He didn't have room inside him for any more unspoken words. The bats were rising into the air. He only had a second. "Fly you high, Vikus!" he yelled. "Fly you high!" Vikus turned back, and Gregor could see tears shining on his cheeks. He lifted up a hand to Gregor in thanks. And then they were gone.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Underland Chronicles, The Mark of the Warrior, 2005
Gregor wrestles with lingering resentment and unspoken love, choosing to express gratitude before loss overwhelms him.
In simple terms: He decides to say thank you despite past hurt.
Speak appreciation before it's too late.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- family reunion
- final goodbyes
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What unspoken words do you hold?
- How can gratitude change a strained relationship?
He may still harbor unresolved anger after the moment.