Contents
Names
Overview
Reeling from overheard insults, August hides in a bathroom, then seeks the nurse and goes home with Mom. He refuses Halloween and stays home the next day, spiraling into thoughts of quitting school. The chapter deepens his isolation and raises the stakes for his friendships and willingness to return.
Summary
After hearing classmates mock him, August lists the cruel names he knows kids use. Overwhelmed, he retreats to a second-floor bathroom, locks a stall, removes his costume mask, and cries until the first period is well underway.
Feeling physically ill from the shock, August goes to the nurse and reports a stomachache and headache. Nurse Molly calls Mom, lets August rest on the sofa, and prepares him to leave when Mom arrives. Mom hugs August, confirms his symptoms, and walks him home, thanking Nurse Molly for the care.
At home, August withholds the reason for his distress. When Mom asks about trick-or-treating, he refuses, which alarms her because he normally loves Halloween. Mom updates Dad by phone about August’s lack of fever but unusual lethargy.
August stays home from school the next day, extending his withdrawal into the weekend. Left alone with his thoughts, he fixates on the betrayal and pain, concluding he probably will not return to school.
Who Appears
- August PullmanDevastated by overheard insults; hides, cries, goes to the nurse, and goes home determined not to return to school.
- MomPicks August up from school, comforts him, worries when he refuses Halloween, and monitors his condition.
- Nurse MollyAssesses August’s stomachache and headache, calls Mom, and sends him home with care and reassurance.
- DadHears updates by phone; concerned about August missing Halloween and possibly being ill.