Contents
Season’s Greetings
Overview
Holiday cards from Julian’s and August’s families arrive, prompting a difficult talk between Jack and his mother. Jack shares a rumor that Julian’s mom edited August out of the class photo, revealing broader cruelty. Jack then admits why he punched Julian and that he and August aren’t friends, deepening the fallout.
Summary
Returning home, Jack and his mom sort mail and find holiday cards from both Julian’s and August’s families. Julian’s card shows Julian dressed formally, while August’s features the family dog, Daisy, in festive gear with greetings from Nate, Isabel, Olivia, and August.
Jack tries to make small talk, but Jack’s mom, quiet and worried, asks what’s going on in Jack’s head. Jack deflects, speculating about the Pullmans’ yearly dog photo, then brings up a rumor: Julian’s mom allegedly Photoshopped August out of the class picture and shared it with other parents.
Jack’s mom is appalled, noting how unkind people can be. She asks if that cruelty is why Jack hit Julian. Jack says no, then finally tells her the truth: he punched Julian because of what happened around Halloween and admits that August is now his ex-friend.
Who Appears
- Jack WillReceives holiday cards, shares rumor about photo, and finally tells his mother why he punched Julian and lost August’s friendship.
- Jack’s MomConfronts Jack with concern, condemns cruelty, and listens as Jack explains the punch and fallout with August.
- August PullmanAppears via family holiday card; subject of rumor and Jack’s confession about their broken friendship.
- JulianHis family sends a card; he is the target of Jack’s punch following earlier taunts.
- Julian’s MomAllegedly Photoshopped August out of a class picture, highlighting parental cruelty.