Chapter 17

Now this is really starting to get awkward! Why can't the pupils and Matt's neighbours understand, that the whole "threat" was just a misunderstanding, leaving, of course, an impact on the character of Matt? As he says himself, one should support him in gaining new self-confidence instead of treating him as a stranger, you ought to avoid.
If I'd put myself in Matt's position, I would feel deserted by my parents; a father who on the one hand, seems to care more about the reputation of the Donaghys than the mental health of his own son, and on the other hand, a mother who doesn't give you the feeling of safety and security. People need to be loved and given sympathy, reassuring that whatever they do,someone will stand behind them! But his mother just walks off, abandoning a speechless and helpless boy to his fate.
Just imagine his feelings in this situation?! His friends have marooned him, the teachers seem to dislike him, now his last and trusted footing is eroding... But wait, there is still Ugly Girl!

Possible thoughts: "Didn't she seem to be the only one to understand my feelings and helped me to get out? Then why did she ignore me at school? This is crazy! I've got the impression that I'm not the one who has changed; everybody else is getting weirder and weirder! Perhaps all of this is just a damn joke? It must be... I’m sliding into this nightmare and the way out is trailing away in the dark...”

As I see it, Matt is in danger of killing himself, if something extraordinary doesn’t happen quickly. All expectations are with Ursula now, to at least save his life...