Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe explores the nuances of new relationships and how those relationships can deepen into meaningful bonds. The characters, though young, face intense emotional struggles. Nonetheless, despite initial stumbles, they learn to show support and understanding and to take the risk of trusting each other. Through this process, the novel lays out The Foundations of Friendship.

Key to the foundations of friendship is honesty, not only in the sense of telling the truth, but also in the sense of being vulnerable and sincere in interactions. Sal and Yasmany’s relationship begins badly. Despite his initial attempt to assist Yasmany, Sal becomes the target of Yasmany’s bullying. However, a significant shift occurs when Principal Torres proposes Yasmany’s expulsion, and Sal chooses to defend Yasmany. This act of compassion, prompted by Sal’s consideration of Yasmany’s perspective, initiates a subtle transformation in their dynamic. As their relationship slowly progresses, Sal offers further subtle support, such as clandestinely guiding Yasmany in mastering the art of using his locker. However, the pivotal moment solidifying their relationship into a genuine friendship transpires when Sal apologizes to Gabi. In apologizing, Sal relinquishes any semblance of pride or concern for his image. This vulnerability resonates with Yasmany, providing him with a clearer understanding of Sal’s character and prompting his acceptance of Sal as a friend. In turn, Yasmany eventually finds the courage to be vulnerable too, allowing Sal to discover more about the root causes of Yasmany’s behavior. The result by the end of the novel is a connection built on mutual understanding and empathy.

In the context of honesty, another important building block of friendship is empathy. Both Sal and Yasmany have personal experiences with trauma. Therefore, when Yasmany runs way from home, Sal prevents Gabi from asking about specifics: “We didn’t ask him to share his feelings […] because I already knew he couldn’t. Back when Mami was dying, I always got so angry and confused when people tried to make me tell them how I was feeling” (302). Sal’s ability to understand Yasmany through Sal’s own experiences illustrates growth in Sal’s character. In addition, it marks a significant shift in his effort to build a relationship with Yasmany; Sal is better equipped in this moment than Gabi to connect with Yasmany, and Sal takes an active role in building a friendship by intervening. Sal’s understanding ultimately leads to a poignant moment in which Yasmany attempts to explain his behavior and apologizes to Sal. Though Sal and Yasmany are slow to trust and understand each other, their cautious approach creates an unshakable and supportive bond.

The novel also emphasizes mutual respect and acceptance as important foundations of friendship with Sal and Gabi’s relationship. Initially, the two have adversarial perceptions of one another, each misunderstanding the other’s character. Sal sees Gabi as someone who needs to be managed, while Gabi perceives Sal as full of himself. A turning point arises when Sal meets Gabi’s dads. Instead of passing judgment, Sal openly embraces Gabi’s family. Sal reflects on the importance of his immediate respect, not having realized its significance in the moment:

I didn’t know it then, but that was the moment Gabi became my friend for real. Months later, she told me the way I had met her interesting, complicated family, pleasantly and without judgment […] made her think I was the most mature seventh grader she had ever met (127).

Sal’s respect and acceptance, which he gave on instinct, opens Gabi to a real friendship with him and, as she observes, mark Sal’s maturity. From that point onward, their relationship thrives on frank and open communication. Gabi openly shares the gravity of her brother’s condition, and Sal reciprocates by revealing his unique abilities. Despite Sal jeopardizing their budding friendship with a prank, his immediate and sincere apology acts as a healing balm.

As the narrative unfolds, the groundwork laid for long-term friendships pays off in the support the characters offer each other, both in terms of their respective goals and their emotional turmoil. Sal goes the extra mile by collecting notes for Gabi, collaborating on projects, and offering her the space to express frustrations about her brother’s condition. In return, Gabi provides a sounding board for Sal’s grief over losing his mother, extending consolation and understanding. She is the first to understand that Sal’s abilities stem from his grief and his longing to see his mother. By the story’s conclusion, Gabi places immense trust in Sal, pleading with him to save her brother. Sal, reciprocating this trust, is forthright with Gabi about the potential consequences. Together, they embark on a journey through the multiverse, searching for a way to save Iggy. Without the foundations of friendship established earlier, the characters’ relationship would have fractured. With those foundations, Gabi trusts Sal to guide her through the multiverse, and Sal trusts Gabi when she says that exploring all possible options is worth potential heartbreak.

The robust friendships portrayed in Sal and Gabi Break the Universe are pivotal in guiding the characters’ development throughout the narrative. Remarkably, Sal cements his bonds with Yasmany and Gabi within just two days. However, these days are marred by tragedies and intense emotions that compel the characters to lean on each other. Some gestures of support may seem trivial, such as aiding Yasmany with his diabetes paper, while others carry more obvious weight, like Sal’s candid response to Iggy’s illness. Regardless of scale, these supportive acts contribute to the character’s understanding of each other and the solidity of their relationships.