In this volume we get a lot more backstory on Yuki's childhood, and the emotional and verbal abuse that he underwent from his parents and from Akito. Poor Yuki! Through all the memories that Yuki is fighting through, he realizes the nature of his true feelings for Tohru, and it was not quite what I expected!

We also see a flashback to when Kyo and Yuki first met as children, so that was especially heart-wrenching since they've almost been tolerating each other lately. Kyo is mostly sulking and brooding, and the only thing that will bring him out of his shell is Tohru.

I was interested to find out more about the strange power that Akito has over all the Sohma family, why he is head of the family, and why no matter how much he abuses them, the zodiac members never blame Akito or fight back. It's all mystical curses, and creepy history going back hundreds of years.

Tohru and her classmates are putting on a play, Cinderella, for the school festival, but no one gets parts that match their personalities, so they rewrite the play into something that is easier for them to act. It's hilarious and wonderful and I was laughing my head off!

This series addresses some issues like abandonment and feelings of loneliness, of not belonging or not being needed, and it really touched a lot of deep emotions in me and made me connect with the characters. I’m so emotional about it, but I love the journey the characters go on to find healing and happiness!