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69. A Numbers Game
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in With the Fire on High, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Coming of Age and Teen Parenthood
Creativity vs. Professional Norms
Food and Connection
Caregiving, Independence, and Identity
Support, Community, and Mentorship
Summary
Analysis
Emoni’s classmates are still excited the next morning. Chef Ayden reveals that he tried to cancel the restaurant lunches, but the teachers threw a fit. Now, the restaurant will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in January, and students who work shifts will earn extra credit and keep their tips. Emoni needs both. As Emoni cleans her station after class, she miserably remembers asking ’Buela to lend her the money for the deposit last night. ’Buela had already spent her money on a donation and Christmas gifts, and she looked so sad and ashamed that Emoni told her not to worry about it. Julio is currently working on a fundraiser to educate local kids, and he’ll prioritize educating them over sending Emoni to Spain.
It’s a sign of how skilled Emoni’s whole class is that the Schomburg teachers revolted at the possibility that the restaurant might go away—they’ve come to rely on the exceptional food the students can produce. Still, Emoni can’t really take much pride in this compliment, as she’s so stressed about the money for the trip. At the moment, it doesn’t seem to Emoni like she can rely on people like ’Buela and Julio to come through for her. However, it’s also worth noting that Emoni just assumes Julio wouldn’t help her—she hasn’t asked, so she may be incorrect to think this way.
Themes
Malachi interrupts Emoni’s thoughts to ask her if she’d like to go to Disney On Ice with him this weekend, since he has access to tickets. Emoni says she doesn’t really date, but Malachi says it’s not a date: Angelica and Laura, Babygirl, and ’Buela can all come. A lump rises in Emoni’s throat. She’s always wanted to see Disney On Ice. So, she accepts his invitation for Saturday.
Malachi might not be able to help with the money, but he can take Emoni’s mind off of her misery with the offer of Disney On Ice this weekend. By inviting Emoni’s friends and family, Malachi also shows that he’s interested in getting to know all about Emoni, including her loved ones.
Themes
