32 Allison is described above as a goal-oriented person who has a strong
motivation to ensure her daughter’s safety. She will not allow anything to harm her daughter even if it will cost her own life.
4.1.3.5 Affectionate
Her disfunction family background cannot diminish her ability to love her father and sister. As seen in the last moment with her father, where Allison held
his hand gently, feeling the increasingly faint throbbing of his pulse. She then leaned over and whispered into his ear, “I always loved you, too, Daddy” 363.
Gently, she kissed his withered cheek, and then moved quietly away. It can be concluded that even though Allison’s father is an irresponsible person, she still
loves him. Allison and Ruth were separated for such a long time. Both had been
living totally different kind of life. It had caused misunderstanding between them. Ruth believed that when they were kids; their father preferred Allison over Ruth.
The two sisters settled their misunderstanding on the first days of Allison’s run when she took refuge at Ruth’s house. As written on page 29, Ruth and Allison
had conversations about their childhood memory. Ruth told the story when she was sent to a boarding school that was like being in prison, a warehouse for girls
nobody wanted. While Allison told the story how she was taken care by her reluctant grandmother and then housekeepers, and how she felt scared everyday
when the drunkard father went home. Life on the run provided challenges on Allison’s life. It did not matter how
impossible the situation might be, she had to provide comfort and safety that her PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
33 daughter was needed. Allison realized that Stephanie was not able to understand
the complicacy of their situation. Allison had chosen half a dozen picture books from the children’s section
to keep Stephanie occupied while she checked back issues of the newspapers. Allison gives compliment to Stephanie, “That’s a big girl.”
Then she gives her daughter a hug and kissed the crown of her dark hair, feeling infinitely grateful that she had not suffered the Andrew family’s
fate, and says, “Thanks sweetie” to her daughter. 106
Furthermore, Allison was always available when Stephanie in need, especially when she had nightmares. Allison showed her love to her daughter
using soothing words. Stephanie moaned slightly, then jolted awake, her eyes wide but
uncomprehending. “Mommy Mommy” “Mommy’s right here, sweetie. It’s okay.” Allison stroked the little girl’s
head and folded her into her protective arms. “Everything’s all right. You only have to wake up for a few minutes.” 10
Irish Brinker, a baby sitter of Stephanie for more than a year on weekdays when Allison worked at the bookstore, had opinion about Allison’s motherly love.
In her opinion, Allison was an excellent mother, always concerned with her daughter’s welfare 83.
Allison also showed her love toward Stephanie during their life in impediments. She made sure of her comfort and safety in any new hiding places.
Stephanie was too young to understand this situation. It was shown by Allison’s reaction, such as:
Allison always wants to make Stephanie feels comfort with their journey. Allison and Stephanie stopped at every rest area and every McDonald’s
with playground equipment so Stephanie could work off some of her excess energy and Allison could stretch her cramped legs. 90
34 Although Allison was an outlaw, she determined to do her best for her
daughter even though situations were not in her favor. Allison thought about her daughter, “Oh, baby. I tried so hard, but all I’ve managed to do is fail you
miserably” 350. On their final moment when both mother and daughter were being rescued
from the cliff, Allison gave Stephanie encouragement to stay tough. “Mommy Mommy, I’m scared.” said Stephanie.
Me, too, Allison thought, but she said, “It’s all right, Steph. I’m coming. Just stay right there,” said Allison. 352
Allison’s biggest nightmare was to be separated by her daughter and never able to see her again. When she was caught by the police and was put into jail, she
thought it would be for along time. Fortunately, one detective continued her investigations that lead to the finding of Karl’s cache of child pornography
including the picture he had taken of Stephanie. Within short period of time, Allison and Stephanie were reunited.
Overall, Allison’s characteristics are described clearly and understandably. Through these evidences, Allison is described as a responsible mother as well as
strong-willed, perfectionate, disciplined, goal-oriented, and affectionate woman.
4.2 How Allison Exercises Her Motherly Love
