In Tom's Midnight Garden, Tom questions whether Abel, a character in the garden, has a brother named Cain, referring to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. His inquiry is met with silence from Hatty, which frustrates him further, as he feels ignored by everyone around him in the garden. This reflects Tom's growing sense of isolation and his need for connection and understanding in a world that seems unresponsive.
Tom expresses skepticism about the link between the garden's Abel and the biblical narrative, suggesting that while Abel shares a name with the biblical figure, there is no evidence of any fraternal conflict. This deepens the theme of exploring reality versus imagination, as Tom grapples with the relationships and stories surrounding him in the mysterious garden, all while trying to find his place within that enchantment.