Contents
The Deal
Overview
After the tour, August returns to the office and, feeling uncomfortable, signals his mom to end the visit early. Mom politely fabricates a pickup for Via, and there is brief small talk about Via’s new school. August worries Mr. Tushman might blame the kids, but he departs courteously, masking hurt caused mainly by Julian.
Summary
August, Mom, and the student guides return to the office, where Mrs. Garcia greets them and Mr. Tushman asks how the tour went. Mom mentions baby chicks from science; Julian explains they are donated yearly but hatch again, a tidbit that feels oddly formal to August.
Mr. Tushman checks if August wants to see more, while Charlotte realizes they forgot the art room and offers to show it. Feeling ready to leave after Julian’s earlier remarks, August gives Mom their prearranged signal. Mom claims they must pick up Via from her new school, which prompts brief conversation about Via attending Faulkner and the commute.
They wrap up quickly. August worries Mr. Tushman might blame Jack and Charlotte, though Julian was the one who made him feel bad. August tells Mr. Tushman everyone was nice, and Mr. Tushman expresses he looks forward to having August as a student. August says goodbye to the kids without making eye contact and exits.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanProtagonist; feels uncomfortable after the tour, signals Mom to leave early, departs politely.
- MomProtective; picks up August’s signal, fabricates a reason to leave, discusses Via’s new school.
- Mr. TushmanSchool director; checks on the tour, chats about Via’s school, warmly encourages August.
- JulianStudent guide; offers facts about science chicks, remains the source of August’s discomfort.
- CharlotteStudent guide; recalls the missed art room, tries to continue the tour helpfully.
- Jack WillStudent guide; present during wrap-up, says goodbye as August leaves.
- Mrs. GarciaSchool assistant; greets the group warmly when they return to the office.
- Via (Olivia) PullmanAugust’s sister; mentioned as starting Faulkner High, used as the excuse to leave.