Read this sentence from paragraph 10. When I snuck back into the kitchen a few hours later to retrieve it, the heat from the gaslight had cooked the spine, leaving a smoldering black mark Byrd's actions in this sentence best demonstrate her...

determination to make her mother respect her personal choices

ability to have a positive outlook while encouraging challenging circumstances

persistence in pursing her own interests despite the opinions of others.

decisiveness about taking action to do what its best for her family. ​