Contents
67. Gabriella
Overview
Gabriella narrates how she hid in Mary’s red car after causing a diversion at The Manor, accidentally traveling to Spyglass. She observes Birdy and Sgt Carter at the house and stays hidden.
Later, in Harrison’s car, he vows to disappear with Gabriella and Mary. Wanting only her father, Gabriella runs away, heightening the peril and splitting the group.
Summary
Gabriella, frustrated by a policeman’s questions at The Manor and aligning with Harrison’s distrust, screams to obtain sedatives from Ingrid. Before the pills fully take effect, she slips out, hides beside Mary’s distinctive red car, then climbs into the back under a blanket as Mary flees the policeman.
After dozing off, Gabriella awakens at night and recognizes Spyglass, the seaside house Harrison promised. Seeing Birdy on the doorstep with the policeman, she chooses to remain hidden, fearing return to The Manor. She recalls being taught to whisper by Mary and her longing for life alone with her father.
Later, in Harrison’s moving car with Mary in the passenger seat, Gabriella startles Harrison by emerging and telling him she loves him. He brakes hard, then reframes the situation as an exciting hide-and-seek adventure, promising they will go somewhere no one can find them.
When Harrison adds that Mary will join them, Gabriella—who wants her father to herself—becomes upset. Overwhelmed, she exits the car and runs, rejecting Harrison’s plan and fracturing the trio at a critical moment.
Who Appears
- GabriellaNarrator; hides in Mary’s car to Spyglass, later rejects Harrison’s plan to flee with Mary and runs away.
- HarrisonGabriella’s father; promises a secret disappearance with Gabriella and Mary, triggering Gabriella’s flight.
- MaryHarrison’s accomplice; flees The Manor in her red car unknowingly carrying Gabriella; later rides with Harrison.
- BirdyGabriella’s first mother; seen at Spyglass with the policeman, prompting Gabriella to stay hidden.
- Sgt CarterPoliceman who questioned Gabriella at The Manor and appears at Spyglass with Birdy.
- IngridNurse at The Manor who gives Gabriella sedatives, enabling Gabriella’s escape to Mary’s car.