Chapter 36

THEN: Ellie visits Noelle Donnelly’s small, plant-filled house. Pressured to stay for a drink while Noelle fetches “papers,” Ellie accepts elderflower squash. As Noelle goes upstairs, Ellie loses consciousness before Noelle even reaches the landing, revealing she has been drugged.

Ellie wakes in darkness to the sound of a chair and Noelle’s voice. Noelle apologizes, calling her actions terrible but somehow justifiable “in time.” Ellie, immobilized, gradually regains slight movement while registering the setting: a wood-clad, below-ground room with a small high window, a curtained toilet area, empty shelves, and a wardrobe; Noelle sits by the locked door.

As Ellie croaks for water and worries about her mother, Noelle minimizes the alarm, suggesting Ellie’s family will think she’s with her boyfriend. Ellie feels acute fear and love for her mother, recognizing the depth of that bond. Noelle helps Ellie sit up, labels the room a “guest” basement she cleared for Ellie, and offers food to care for her.

Noelle brings a sandwich, which Ellie cannot eat. Despite her gentle tone, Noelle leaves and secures three locks, plunging the room into darkness. Ellie remains imprisoned, her disappearance now explained by Noelle’s calculated abduction and delusional tenderness.