Challenger Deep

Caden can’t stop thinking about termites, wondering if the treatment his house underwent may have created a more toxic variety of super insect. He tries to make a drawing that looks like his fears. He notices his mom watching him, and realizes that, even though he thought he had been drawing for several minutes, the page is still blank. She says, “Penny for your thoughts?” (51). Caden asks her if that is all his thoughts are worth. 

Caden reads that pennies are worth so little that the government will eventually phase them out. He wonders if the devaluation of pennies will also devalue his thoughts. 

Caden decides to try out for the track team. His father is excited, and Caden worries that his father believes this is a positive turning point in Caden’s anxiety. Caden makes the team but doesn’t tell his father that he quits after only three practices. He begins running alone for two hours after school so that his parents won’t ask him why he is at home instead of at track practice. It disturbs him that he can lie with such ease.