The Science of Breakable Things

Over the course of the novel, Natalie learns the value of forming new friendships and mending existing ones. At first, Natalie has only one friend, Twig, from whom she has grown apart; she doesn’t tell her friend the truth about her mother’s illness. After several months of tension, Twig admits that she assumed responsibility for the problems in their relationship; she simply can’t decide what she did wrong to prompt this strain. After Natalie reaches a breaking point and can’t keep her feelings bottled up inside any longer, she is surprised by how supportive, committed, and serious Twig can be. Although her friend previously seemed sort of irresponsible and silly, Natalie learns that Twig is fiercely caring and loyal and will do anything to help her in a crisis.

In addition to mending her friendship with Twig, Natalie also finds the courage to accept a new friend into her life: Dari. Natalie and Twig have been best friends for three years, without having any other friends. At first, Natalie struggles to accept Dari because she feels threatened that he might take her place. However, the other Twig and Dari reiterate that they’re all a team, and she has a special place within that team.