Contents
Olivia’s Brother
Overview
Justin meets August and Jack for the first time and is startled by August’s appearance despite prior warnings. He masks his reaction, makes small talk, and later reassures Via he’s fine. Via shares how friends once avoided her because of August, and their conversation strengthens trust in their relationship.
Summary
Justin visits Olivia’s home and meets August and Jack in August’s room. Although Olivia had described August’s condition and surgeries, Justin is still surprised by August’s appearance. He shakes both boys’ hands, avoids staring, and comments on the room to stay composed.
Jack jokes about Justin’s instrument case being a machine gun, leading to brief banter about zydeco. After some laughter from the boys as Justin and Olivia leave, Olivia leads Justin to her room.
Justin reflects on their two-month relationship, describing his immediate attraction to Olivia and how she initially kept some emotional distance. He recalls that Olivia only told him about August on their third date, using clinical terms rather than labels like “deformed.”
In Olivia’s room, Olivia asks if Justin is shocked. Justin lies and says no, insisting he’s fine. Olivia explains that in childhood many friends avoided second playdates or birthday parties because of August, not out of meanness but fear of his face.
Olivia asks if Justin is okay with it, and Justin reassures her he isn’t freaked out. Olivia seems uncertain but chooses to believe him, signaling tentative trust as she playfully tosses him a stuffed polar bear.
Who Appears
- JustinNarrator; meets August and Jack, hides his surprise, and reassures Olivia he’s comfortable.
- Olivia (Via)Introduces Justin to August; worries about his reaction and shares past isolation due to August.
- August (Auggie) PullmanMeets Justin; his appearance surprises Justin, prompting the couple’s candid conversation.
- Jack WillWith August during Justin’s visit; jokes about Justin’s case, easing tension.