I wonder if, in real life, Laura would continue to break out of her shell. I'm hopeful that she would, but I cannot help but doubt it. But perhaps that's the point. Laura gives the broken unicorn because she is going to go back to her normal ways. Perhaps the heartbreak Jim inflicted convinced her to stay in her shell. She imagined the unicorn had an operation to have the horn removed to feel more at home with the regular horses (1042). Here, she seems optimistic in no longer being shy, but then Jim shatters that dream when he reveals that he is engaged. The act of Laura giving the broken unicorn to Jim as a souvenir then going to the record player and putting on her music, shows that she is retreating back into her world. I feel bad for Laura, as I'm sure many of us would. She is what kept me reading. I feel bad that she has to stay home alone with her mother after Tom leaves.
It is unfortunate that Tom desires to forget his sister. It is understandable that he is sick of his mother and must leave, but to completely put Laura out of his mind is too much, I think. Though, of course, I understand the necessity for him doing so. But what will become of him now? He is no more knowledgeable about himself or what he wants out of life. He is now just wandering the land, it seems. Where is the growth in his character? He leaves home out of spite and anger, and is still just as lost as he has ever been. He can never run from his memories. He will always carry the guilt of leaving his sister and causing her to loss all hope in ever being free from her own insecurities.
