Uglies: Waiting for David Summary & Analysis

Back at the heart of the ruins, Tally anxiously follows Shay into the tallest building and then up to the roof. From there, Tally can see the ocean. Shay pulls out a safety sparkler and holds it as it glows, and then confirms that it was a signal. A chill creeps down Tally’s spine and she asks who they’re meeting. Shay says his name is David, which sounds like a made-up name to Tally. Shay explains that he lives far away but he comes around sometimes. Tally pulls her jacket tight, realizing how cold and late it probably is. Tally sees that the moon is setting, which she remembers from astronomy means that it’s past midnight. Out here, things about nature Tally learned in school seem more useful.

Tally hopes that David won’t show up; she’s heard that in other cities, people do weird things like speak other languages or wait until they’re 18 to turn pretty. Tally suggests they head home, and after a minute, Shay agrees. Tally thanks Shay for bringing her along and introducing her to all these cool things, but she says that one more new thing might kill her. Shay swears Tally to secrecy again about David. As they start back, Tally notes Shay’s disappointment that David didn’t show up. She wonders if David is real or just an urban legend. This time, carrying the hoverboard doesn’t seem so difficult. Tally has always thought of the board as a toy, but now it seems solid and potentially dangerous. She thinks that Shay is right: the city makes everything feel fake and unreal. Tally looks back and sees a flicker but she decides not to tell Shay.