💔Maya's feeling of not being at home in St. Louis and her escape through reading fantasy and adventure stories.
🏰The routine at home, including homework, dinner, and listening to radio programs.
🃏Maya's mother's involvement in poker games and gambling parlors, which affects Maya and Bailey's daily life.
😢The lack of interaction between Mr. Freeman and Maya and Bailey, leading to Maya's feeling of abandonment and confusion.
😨The sexual abuse by Mr. Freeman and Maya's fear of repercussions if she tells anyone, causing her to feel trapped and isolated.