A Mango-Shaped Space

Mia and her parents return to the university for the synesthesia meeting. When they arrive, Mia meets about 15 other people with synesthesia. She notices Adam right away, as they are the only teenagers present. The group members introduce themselves one by one. They all share their specific experiences with synesthesia. Mia is surprised to learn that some people do not just associate colors with numbers and letters, but personalities and genders as well. After introductions, they break into smaller groups to chat. Adam introduces himself properly to Mia. He suggests that they go outside to talk. 

Mia and Adam sit together on a bench and chat briefly before Adam asks if he can kiss her. Mia is surprised at first but agrees. They kiss and then Mia’s mother comes outside to look for her. She does not seem “happy to see [Mia] kissing a strange boy on a bench in the dark” (199). Mia hurriedly introduces Adam and explains that they already knew each other before the meeting. On the drive home, Mia thinks about whether or not she wants a boyfriend. When they get home, Mia sees that Mango has not eaten much of his food that day and assumes that he must be “still stuffed from all the Thanksgiving table scraps Zack fed him when our parents weren’t looking” (200).