The Inheritance Games, #1
The Inheritance Games
by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Avery spends the night hidden in her car rather than return home while Drake is back, revealing how serious the threat of his presence feels to her. She reaches out only to Max, who offers fierce long-distance support, while Avery finds comfort in postcards from her mother and in her plan to escape through education, work, and travel.
The chapter deepens Avery's isolation but also clarifies her resilience: she is scared and unsupported, yet determined to survive and build a future beyond her current circumstances.
Summary
Avery parks her old Pontiac behind the diner where no one will notice her. Libby texts Avery, but Avery cannot bring herself to answer, emphasizing that Avery has chosen distance rather than return home while Drake is there.
Avery texts Max, the only other person in Avery's life worth contacting, with the coded message that “You-know-who is back.” Because Max's parents often confiscate and monitor Max's phone, Avery avoids naming Drake or admitting where Avery is spending the night.
Unable to sleep, Avery ignores homework and takes out the postcards her mother left her. The postcards show all the places Avery and her mother once planned to visit together, and Avery imagines escaping to Hawaii, New Zealand, Machu Picchu, Tokyo, Bali, and Greece.
Max eventually replies with outrage on Avery's behalf, using fake curse words to avoid parental detection, then calls to ask if Avery is truly okay. Avery looks at the postcards and steadies herself by focusing on a long-term plan: finish high school, win scholarships, earn a marketable degree, work remotely, make good money, and travel the world.
Avery answers Max by insisting that she always lands on her feet. The moment shows Avery's determination and self-reliance, even as her isolation and fear about Drake force her to spend the night in her car.
Who Appears
- Avery GrambsSleeps in her car, avoids home, and reaffirms her plan for independence and escape.
- Maxine “Max” LiuAvery’s best friend; responds with protective anger and checks whether Avery is okay.
- Libby GrambsAvery’s half sister; texts Avery, but Avery is not ready to answer.
- DrakeLibby’s abusive boyfriend; his return drives Avery to avoid home and hide overnight.
- Avery’s motherAbsent but emotionally present through postcards of destinations she and Avery planned to visit.