Contents
The Bleeding Scream
Overview
Disguised in a Bleeding Scream costume, August briefly revels in anonymity and acceptance. In homeroom, he overhears Jack, Julian, Miles, and Henry mocking his appearance and friendship. Learning Jack only befriended him at Mr. Tushman’s request, August is crushed and flees, shattering his newfound confidence and trust.
Summary
August walks into school on Halloween wearing a Bleeding Scream mask and, for the first time, enjoys being unseen and unjudged. Another student in the same costume high-fives him, boosting his confidence as he heads to homeroom expecting an awesome day.
In homeroom, August notices Julian dressed as Darth Sidious with Miles and Henry as mummies. Expecting they were waiting for his planned Boba Fett costume, August drifts closer and overhears them comparing his face to shrunken heads and orcs, and joking about hiding under a hood.
Jack Will’s voice joins in, initially pushing back, then admitting he was asked by Mr. Tushman to hang out with August and complaining that August follows him. When Julian suggests ditching August, Jack does not defend him. The comments reveal to August that Jack’s friendship may not be genuine.
Shocked and humiliated, August slips out unnoticed. Overhearing the betrayal destroys his earlier joy; he sweats and cries inside the mask, searching for a place to disappear as he flees the classroom.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanProtagonist; enjoys anonymity in his Bleeding Scream mask, overhears cruel comments, and runs away in tears.
- Jack WillAugust’s friend; complains about Auggie, admits Tushman asked him to hang out, fails to defend him.
- JulianClassmate in a Darth Sidious costume; instigates mocking and urges Jack to ditch August.
- MilesClassmate dressed as a mummy; joins in mocking August’s appearance.
- HenryClassmate dressed as a mummy; participates in the conversation belittling August.