Contents
After School
Overview
Via avoids riding home with the newly distant Miranda, signaling a deepening rift. At home, Via lies to her mother and grows defensive, then checks on August’s first day. August gives curt answers and a surprisingly sarcastic retort, hinting at new coping mechanisms and shifting family dynamics.
Summary
In eighth period, Miranda mentions she is supposed to drive Via home, but Via lies that her mother can pick her up, unwilling to be trapped with the “new” Miranda. After the bell, Via hides in the restroom to avoid Miranda’s mother, then takes a bus and subway home on her own.
Arriving home, Via lies again, telling Mom they stopped for pizza and that Miranda went straight home for homework. When Mom questions this, Via snaps, then quickly redirects by asking about August’s first day, prompting a cautious “okay” from Mom that raises Via’s suspicion.
Via storms into August’s room, where August is absorbed in his PlayStation. Frustrated by his distraction, Via presses for details. August answers “fine,” grabs back his game, and resists elaborating.
When Via asks if anyone was mean, August finally looks up and replies sarcastically, “Why would people be mean?” His tone shocks Via—it’s the first time she’s heard him speak that way—underscoring how both siblings are changing under new social pressures.
Who Appears
- ViaAvoids Miranda’s ride, lies to Mom, and pushes August about his day; unsettled by his sarcasm.
- August (Auggie) PullmanReturns from his first day giving terse answers; shows unexpected sarcasm when questioned by Via.
- MomGreets Via, questions inconsistencies, and cautiously reports August’s day as okay.
- MirandaOffers Via a ride home; her changed demeanor prompts Via to avoid her.