Tom's Midnight Garden - Chapters 22 and 23 - Reading Comprehension answers

In chapters 22 and 23 of "Tom's Midnight Garden", Tom exhibits caution when handling the skates because they once belonged to Hatty, whom he wishes to use them with. He discovers that the thirteenth hour is not constrained by regular temporal laws, offering endless possibilities. The narrative occasionally shifts to Peter's perspective, providing a contrast to Tom's experiences and offering insight into Peter's emotions directly rather than through Tom's interpretation. Tom suspects Hatty's eyesight is deteriorating when she's unsure whether she's seeing him or merely a trick of light. His apprehension about venturing beyond the garden to Castleford with Hatty stems from the uncertainty of whether he'll be able to return to his aunt and uncle's home.

The story takes an eerie turn when Tom realises both he and Hatty are wearing the same pair of skates, with his having been retrieved from beneath the floorboards back to the time Hatty originally wore them. Hatty's visit to Ely cathedral is driven by her desire to witness its grandeur and to revel in the freedom it represents. Tom, feeling emboldened by an inscription that reads 'Time for Eternity', chooses this moment to reveal his secrets to Hatty. His eagerness to ascend the tower is rooted in his desire to share the experience of Hatty's reaction to the panoramic view. In summary, these chapters delve into the complexities of time travel, the significance of shared experiences, and the development of Tom and Hatty's unique bond.