Uma is an adult when she learns that her father plans to divorce her mother. Why does his announcement have such an impact on her? Would she have continued on to New York if she didn’t witness the aurora borealis?

Why is the memory of the peach pie so important to Mrs. Pritchett? Why does she consider that conversation with her friend Debbie to be such a pivotal moment in her life?

Of all the survivors, Lily seems to understand Tariq and treat him the kindliest. Why is this?