Alissa does not have a favorite teacher, and no one at school seems to pay attention to her. She has one best friend, another outcast, who is tall and gangly. They are referred to as Mutt and Jeff. They are always seen together, huddled, sneaking looks at the outside world. Mostly, Alissa is an invisible child, although she is convinced that her presence takes up a great deal of space.
Family life is far from ideal.
Alissa gets home and withstands her brother's verbal taunting for two hours. Her parents arrive home together. Alissa's mother is fit and wears tailored clothes. Her father is successful and a workaholic. Alissa has already eaten the food she has stored in a secret place in her closet.