Contents
Part Eight: August — Home
Overview
August returns home from the retreat and debriefs with Mom about the attack, the lost hearing aids, and the friends who defended him. He’s reassured that kindness outweighs cruelty. Dad and Via arrive early and present a surprise puppy, signaling comfort and renewal after Daisy’s death.
Summary
August arrives home with Mom, feeling Daisy’s absence as he instinctively looks for the dog in the window. Mom embraces August, overwhelmed with relief, and begins making him a grilled cheese and chocolate milk while they catch up.
August recounts the retreat, contrasting how great it was with the one bad night when older kids attacked. Mom urges him not to let that hour define the trip. They discuss the lost hearing aids—Mr. Tushman already called—and Mom emphasizes that his safety matters most.
As August details how Jack and Amos defended him, Mom reacts to learning the attackers were seventh graders, but focuses on gratitude that everyone is okay. August explains he and Jack wandered to the woods because of a bathroom line, then asks to pause retelling the incident until Dad and Via are home.
August worries about facing future bullies. Mom acknowledges jerks exist but insists there are more good people who protect each other, citing Jack, Amos, Miles, and Henry’s support. August, tired from the night, plans a nap after finishing his food.
Dad calls to say he and Via are almost home. They arrive moments later and shower August with affection. They reveal a surprise: a small black puppy in a white box, offering comfort and a hopeful fresh start after Daisy’s death.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanReturns home, recounts the retreat’s assault, worries about future bullies, and is comforted by family and a surprise puppy.
- MomReassures August about the attack and lost hearing aids; emphasizes kindness; prepares food and shares relief.
- DadComes home early to greet August and helps present the surprise puppy.
- ViaOverjoyed to see August and joins Dad in surprising him with a new puppy.
- New puppyA surprise gift for August, symbolizing comfort and renewal after Daisy’s death.