Which character serves as the one who directly notices Andy's lack of a smile during the talent show?

Which character serves as the one who directly notices Andy's lack of a smile during the talent show?

• A. Rhonda
• B. Mrs. Jawes
• C. Keisha
• D. Monty

Answer: (C)

Reading facial cues and noticing subtle changes in a friend’s expression is a key way characters reveal their inner state. In the talent show, it’s Keisha who directly sees that Andy isn’t smiling the way he usually does. Her awareness of that small but telling detail signals to the reader that Andy is carrying heavy emotions beneath the surface, even when the moment seems like a normal school activity. This moment highlights Keisha’s perceptiveness and her willingness to check in on a friend, which stands out in contrast to others who are more caught up in the performance or their own concerns. It also helps underscore the emotional distance Andy is feeling after the events that haunt him, showing how some people around him pick up on his mood even when he tries to mask it.

Reading facial cues and noticing subtle changes in a friend’s expression is a key way characters reveal their inner state. In the talent show, it’s Keisha who directly sees that Andy isn’t smiling the way he usually does. Her awareness of that small but telling detail signals to the reader that Andy is carrying heavy emotions beneath the surface, even when the moment seems like a normal school activity. This moment highlights Keisha’s perceptiveness and her willingness to check in on a friend, which stands out in contrast to others who are more caught up in the performance or their own concerns. It also helps underscore the emotional distance Andy is feeling after the events that haunt him, showing how some people around him pick up on his mood even when he tries to mask it.