What is the best clue to the theme of a story

- How the characters respond to the problem.

Explanation:

As per the given story titled 'The Reluctant Neighbor' authored by Clara Bohrod, the best clue to the theme would be 'the manner in which the characters respond to the obstacles or troubles.' Since theme is demonstrated as the underlying idea or message of a work, the characters' preparation for the problems('preparations for welcoming new neighbor, Coco's imagination of her neighbor's face, and women peeking her head through the crack before opening the door') gives the audience's a clue that 'one must be prepared for upcoming challenges in life instead of running away from them or completely ignoring them.' Thus, this idea combines the entire story in a single unified and universal thought/idea through which the readers can relate.

many were disgusted, nauseated and shook their heads with disapproval upon finding out about the recycling of water process. however, they do not seem to understand that this process actually saves water.

although individuals may argue that it is unhealthy, and or unsafe to drink water that is "from toilet to tap" , the water is 100% safe to drink and involves forcing the water across a membrane, which "removes   any impurities, including viruses, pharmaceuticals and dissolved minerals" , according to paul rozin, a psychology professor who studies revulsion.

i agree that that the thought of drinking water that once ran through someones kitchen sink isn't quite appealing, but recycled wastewater is safe to drink. it also saves water. "the city produces nine million gallons a day" claims russell schreiber, the city’s director of public works.

recycled waste water has absolutely no health concerns whatsoever. when wastewater goes into a system, it's absorbed back into the ground. thus, it goes into a sewer system, then goes through a treatment process that removes contaminants before being released. nonetheless, there is no problem in drinking water that has been recycled.

"in drought-ed california, there are six state agencies that use wastewater that comes from an intellectual property source," according to the university of california, riverside. studies show that this water is completely safe to drink, however, it still doesn't mean people are going to happily pour it in a water glass.

researchers hope it "may make consumers more amenable to drinking recycled wastewater," extraordinarily, women who have a higher "disgust reaction" and make most consumer purchasing decisions.

can you explain your question better