What We Need Most

Reading Animal Dreams, I've come to realize that Loyd and Hallie are two characters most alike, Loyd being Codi's insight once she's back in Grace, and Hallie hers in Tucson. Their likeness isn't really in their personalities, it's in their influence they have over Codi. Both provide comfort and security when Codi needs it most. When Codi first arrives in Grace, for example, Loyd holds her. It may not be the climax of the story, but it is something Codi has been longing for; someone to hold her. Also, when Codi and Carlo get back from medical school, Hallie living with them provides Codi with a sense of completion and of security. Loyd makes Codi laugh, think, and wonder about things she wasn't taught in medical school. Hallie also makes her laugh and feel important. When Hallie leaves, Codi feels insignificant and out of place. Codi, therefore, goes to Grace to find a sense of completion and family, so to speak. Loyd fills in the space that needs attention when Codi's in Grace; space no one else is able to fill. Codi is a lonely person, afraid of being happy, and only a few people can truly make her feel so. Loyd contributes when she's in Grace, and Hallie does when she's in Tucson. Therefore, Loyd and Hallie are the two characters who are most alike.