Question

what do we now know about why melinda has been so silent throughout the novel? she thought not talking about it would make the memory go away. she is scared of her parents. rachel told her not to tell anyone about whatever happened at the party.

Explanation:

This option best explains Melinda's silence in the novel, as the other reasons seem less relevant to her overall silence - being scared of parents or Rachel's instruction are not as fundamental as her own attempt to avoid the memory.

Answer:

She thought not talking about it would make the memory go away.