Answer:
throughout the book Mel struggles to emerge from a cloud of depression and apathy that surrounds her, yet continually finds herself rejected and alone. however, it gave her deep insight into other characters’ unhappiness- Heather, for instance, is isolated and lonely because she cannot see fit in at her new school. As Mel matures, she realizes she can connect with people while maintaining this insight. She emerges from the book, still profoundly empathetic, but rejecting the isolation she had previously sought.