Tom's Midnight Garden - Chapters 18 and 19 - Reading Comprehension answers

In chapters 18 and 19 of "Tom's Midnight Garden," Tom observes that Hatty has aged due to her patronizing tone, which suggests she now sees him as a child. Tom connects Hatty's bedroom to his own by recognizing the window bars. He feels a deep sadness realizing that as Hatty grows older, while he remains unchanged, their time together is dwindling, and his visits to the magical garden will soon end. Hatty's secret cupboard stash includes a knife, paints, and a portrait of her parents. Tom experiences panic followed by exhaustion when he fears being trapped in the past with Hatty, unable to return to his aunt and uncle. The idea of adoption crosses his mind as a means to stay with his relatives and continue visiting the garden and Hatty. Tom is convinced that the clock holds answers, especially since Hatty mentioned that its inscription explains the picture, which might shed light on the mystery of the garden's accessibility at the thirteenth strike. He asks his aunt to visit the river to verify the landscape he saw from Hatty's bedroom. The relentless ticking of the clock agitates Tom, as it reminds him that his time is running out before he must return home on Saturday.

In summary, Tom grapples with the realization of time's passage as Hatty ages and he remains the same. He seeks to understand the magic of the garden and his connection to Hatty, while the ticking clock underscores the urgency of his quest before his impending departure.