Three Little Words

Ashley’s experienced of being “ripped” (10) from her family is deeply traumatic. She does not understand why she is being denied access to her mother and often thinks it is her own fault, asking “my perpetual question: What had I done that was so terrible that I had to be taken from my mother?” (15). This problem is exacerbated by the fact that “nobody [tells her] anything” (10). Repeatedly, she finds herself “asking for my mother, but nobody explain[s] why she [does] not come for me” (11) or asking, “‘Why don’t you ever say anything?’” (99), only to be met with further silence. In fact, “years would pass without anyone answering any of my questions” (10). In some cases, unanswered questions become symbolic of Ashley’s belief that she has done something wrong or that caseworkers, foster families, and other figures are maliciously working against her and her mother and “keeping secrets from me” (15). In other cases, they symbolize the true failings of the foster care system and the negligence of workers like Mr. Ferris, who appear not to care what happens to the children they are supposed to protect.