Beezus delicately sketched the steam rising from the teakettle’s spout, reflecting on her kind and cheerful Aunt Beatrice, whom she admired greatly. She thought about how her aunt was her mother’s favorite sister and hoped to grow up to be like her, aspiring to be a fourth-grade teacher and living a lively, modern lifestyle with a yellow convertible and a building with an elevator and buzzer.

"With gray thread," Beezus thought, symbolizing her hope to emulate her aunt's warmth and understanding. Since she was named after Aunt Beatrice, she felt a special connection and believed she might someday share her aunt’s qualities and life choices, aspiring to be as sweet and accomplished as her role model.