Contents
Carvel
Overview
Jack narrates his first childhood sighting of August outside a Carvel, when fear made him and his babysitter leave abruptly. Veronica later rebukes Jack, teaching that you can hurt someone without meaning to. The memory explains Jack’s discomfort around August and underscores the challenge of reacting kindly despite shock.
Summary
Jack remembers being five or six, eating ice cream with his babysitter, Veronica, and baby brother, Jamie, outside a Carvel. When Jack turns and sees August beside him, he startles, thinking August is wearing a mask. Veronica hurriedly wheels Jamie away to prevent him from saying something hurtful, and Jack notices August’s mother and sister leaving too, with the sister glaring at him.
As they walk, Jack asks what was wrong with the boy. Veronica, angry and embarrassed, chastises Jack and Jamie for staring and for leaving as if they had seen something terrible. She explains her fear that Jamie might blurt out something hurtful and tells Jack that you can hurt someone even without meaning to.
Jack reflects that this was the first time he remembers seeing August, though he has since noticed him around the neighborhood, sometimes wearing an astronaut helmet. He admits it is difficult not to stare and hard to act normal when he sees August, even as he tries to remember Veronica’s lesson.
Who Appears
- Jack WillNarrator recalling first seeing August; startles, leaves abruptly, later reflects on Veronica’s lesson about unintentional hurt.
- VeronicaJack’s babysitter; quickly removes the boys to avoid hurtful comments and teaches that unintended actions can still harm.
- August PullmanSits beside Jack at Carvel; becomes the focus of Jack’s startled reaction and lasting discomfort.
- JamieJack’s baby brother; nearly comments on August, prompting Veronica to leave quickly.
- Via (Olivia Pullman)August’s sister; glares at Jack after the abrupt departure, signaling hurt and protectiveness.
- August’s motherGently guides her children to leave after the incident and gathers August’s things.