# data[].attributes.body
There are many lessons Leigh could take with her throughout her course of life. Like how to grieve healthily, by herself, and with others. In the text, Whenever Leigh gets back from Taiwan Axel is waiting for her. Leigh learns that she is a finalist in an art competition and Axel has no hesitation in being there for her. For example, ““ You’re coming to Berlin?” “Are you kidding me? I’m not going to miss this.”” ( X.R Pan 457). Leigh learns dwelling on the past will only lead to more suffering, as well as mental exhaustion. Learning from the past and moving on will better herself and the people around her.

# data[].attributes.body
She is so consumed in her emotions that she is convinced her mother comes back to life as this red bird. Almost like she is trapped and needs Leigh’s help. While the story never reveals why Leigh’s mother has depression, it shows how important it is to remember and learn from difficult emotional situations. With this whole experience of losing her mom and her grieving journey, Leigh is preparing herself for the future. She is learning problem-solving skills that will aid her in the future. She is learning not only to deal with her emotions but to deal with how they will affect others as well.

# data[].attributes.body
The Astonishing Color of After addresses the fact that while the past is hard to overcome, it is important to accept it, yourself, and your identity while grieving. A recurring theme in the story is Leigh pushing away help from the support systems in her life. She is grieving in her own way, which is not the best way to do so. The story reveals that her mother’s suicide is the most important thing in her life right now. Leigh is feeling through everything at the current moment.

# data[].attributes.body
Leigh felt like she couldn’t confide in either of her parents. The reason being that her mother is in and out of bouts of depression, and her father is always gone. The absence of a stable parental figure contributes to Leigh’s close-minded and independent behavior.  In the past year of her life, Leigh has had only two reliable support systems. Those two being her best friends Axel and Caro.

# data[].attributes.body
Whenever Leigh interacted with her mom and dad, things were always changing. Leigh’s dad was a scholar who always traveled and often left Leigh alone with her mom. Dory, Leigh’s mom, had always had an ongoing battle with depression. She often would go days without speaking.

# data[].attributes.body
In The Astonishing Color of After, it is important to note the social setting of Leigh’s family, due to the impact it has on the plot.

# data[].attributes.body
The theme is, although it is hard to overcome the past while grieving, it is important to accept it, yourself, and your identity.

# data[].attributes.body
These traits impact the moral dilemma of the two options Leigh has. She can either let herself be vulnerable enough to share her feelings about her mother’s passing or close herself off from people when they try to help. Either way, Leigh feels like there is no win in this situation. If she is vulnerable, she will have to accept the fact that her mother is gone. If she closes herself off, she will hurt others around her in her grieving journey.

# data[].attributes.body
This is shown in an interaction between Leigh and Feng. “ “ Stop pretending you know about my mother.” “Huh?” Says Feng. It tumbles out of me, wretched and wild black with rage: “As if you know a single real thing about her.”...” Stop it, You’re not a part of this family. You don’t know anything. Why are you always here? I wish you would just leave us alone.” ” (X.R. Pan 225-226).

# data[].attributes.body
In the novel, The Astonishing Color of After, the main character, Leigh, demonstrates very independent and close-minded behavior. She is very protective of the image she has of her mother in her mind.