Final answer:
In 'Counting by 7s', Willow navigates through the immense loss of her adoptive parents to find a new sense of family and belonging. She discovers that even after a significant tragedy, life can offer new connections and understanding as she forms bonds with individuals who become part of her unconventional family.
Step-by-step explanation:
Counting by 7s is a reflection of life's losses and the subsequent discoveries that stem from such tragedies, as seen through the eyes of the protagonist, Willow. From Willow's perspective, the novel is about the overarching theme of loss as she grapples with the most significant loss of her life—the sudden demise of her adoptive parents—which changes her world drastically.
Amidst her struggle, Willow is depicted as a highly intelligent and sensitive character who finds solace in nature and counting by sevens—a coping mechanism that underscores her need for order in a suddenly chaotic world.
As she grieves, Willow not only confronts feelings of abandonment but also embarks on a journey where she discovers a new family. She forms unexpected bonds with individuals who are similarly isolated or dealing with their own losses.
These characters, including a nail salon owner, her counsellor, and a taxi driver, become her unconventional family unit. What Willow finds along this journey is the realization that loss can lead to forming new, meaningful connections and that through the shared experience of grief and support, a deeper understanding of life and growth can emerge, which is indeed the silver lining of her sorrow.