Contents
My Cave
Overview
Over a tense dinner, August senses Via still wants to hide him from her high school life and the play. He erupts, accusing Mom and Via of lying and treating him like a baby, then barricades himself in a “cave” of pillows. Mom pointedly doesn’t follow, and Via enters his room, setting up a direct confrontation.
Summary
After the earlier family argument, dinner is quiet. Dad is working late and Daisy is ill, with a vet visit planned. August asks about seeing Justin’s play. Mom downplays it as not for kids his age, and Via adds he would be bored, signaling exclusion.
When August asks if the parents will attend, Mom says Dad will go while she stays home with him. Via protests, now wanting Mom to go. Mom says she must weigh everyone’s feelings, which confuses and angers August as both deny the issue concerns him.
Feeling lied to and marginalized, August explodes. He accuses Mom and Via of hiding him from Via’s new high school friends and treating him like a baby. He runs to his room, slams the door, and buries himself under pillows and stuffed animals, creating a “cave,” wishing he could hide his face.
Expecting Mom to follow and comfort him, August waits, imagining Mom guilt-tripping Via and Dad later being angry. After a long pause, Mom still doesn’t come. Finally, Via enters quickly, not softly, setting the stage for a direct sibling exchange.
Who Appears
- August (Auggie) PullmanFeels excluded from Via’s play, erupts at Mom and Via, retreats to a pillow “cave,” awaits confrontation.
- Via (Olivia) PullmanWants parents at her play but not August; her secrecy triggers August’s outburst; she goes to his room.
- Mom (Isabel Pullman)Tries to balance feelings, suggests August skip the play, doesn’t follow him after his outburst.
- DaisyFamily dog, sick and scheduled for a vet visit, adding stress to the evening.