Contents
Chapter 10
Overview
Laurel recalls a past burglary that yielded no leads yet convinced her Ellie had briefly returned. The lack of evidence deepened Laurel’s isolation for years until she forced herself to move on. After today’s discovery of remains, Laurel’s suppressed grief surges; she bolts from the station, avoiding Paul.
Summary
In a past “Then” timeline, police investigate a burglary at Laurel’s home but find no usable fingerprints, no CCTV sightings, and only low-value items taken: an old laptop, an old phone, some cash, unwanted candlesticks, and a cake Hanna had baked. More valuable items, including jewelry, the Mac, and credit cards, are left untouched.
Questioned by police, Laurel fixates on Ellie’s house key and becomes convinced Ellie briefly returned and took only things she would know they would not miss. Police and neighbors provide no corroboration, and nothing stolen is recovered, leaving Laurel with another dead end.
The false hope keeps Laurel tethered to the house for years, straining her remaining relationships until she eventually resigns herself to the burglary being ordinary and closes Ellie’s bedroom for good, attempting to contain her grief.
Back in the present day, after learning human remains have been found, Laurel’s suppressed anguish erupts. In her car outside the station, she pounds the steering wheel, then sees Paul approaching with shock on his face. Overwhelmed, Laurel drives away to avoid him.
Who Appears
- LaurelMother of missing Ellie; interprets a burglary as Ellie’s return, later suppresses grief, then explodes after remains are found.
- Police officersInvestigate the burglary; find no evidence, offer mundane explanations, and cannot support Laurel’s theory.
- PaulLaurel’s estranged husband; seen outside the station as Laurel, distraught, drives away.
- EllieMissing daughter; her supposed presence is sensed by Laurel during the burglary, fueling years of hope.
- HannaLaurel’s other daughter; her cake is among the stolen items, reinforcing Laurel’s belief Ellie returned.