What surprises Zach about Lily?

• A. She's blue
• B. She's older
• C. She's white
• D. She's a friend

Answer: (C)

The moment hinges on race and how it shapes how characters see each other. Zach is a Black teen living in a town with strict racial boundaries, and Lily’s presence and actions push those boundaries. The surprise about Lily is that she is white—something that in their world carries weight and expectations, yet she proves to be brave, thoughtful, and open to him as a person rather than a stereotype. This encounter shows how individual character can cross racial lines and challenge preconceived notions. The other possibilities don’t fit because they miss the way race and Lily’s behavior together create the moment of astonishment and connection.