Teresa, one of the main characters in “The Kayak” by Debbie Spring is, during most of the story, helpless. Firstly, even though Teresa feels that she is safe, secure, wild and free in the water, she knows that it is not her home. She accepts that she has to leave the water to be dependent again and this makes her feel very helpless. Secondly, Teresa shares in her thoughts that, “My closer friends tried a little harder. They lasted two or three visits. Then, they stopped coming around.” This means that Teresa has no friends and she knows that people find it awkward and uncomfortable to talk to her because of her condition. Lastly, Teresa shares, “Another helpless moment,” after her wheelchair gets stuck in the sand and Jamie is behind her.
