Contents
Chapter 47
Overview
In a "BEFORE" flashback from Ella’s POV, Anton comforts Ella after she learns her biological father is in prison. When Brittany and Meredith taunt them, Anton loses control and brutally smashes Brittany’s face with a rock. The assault ensures Anton’s removal from Ella’s life and reveals the violent origins shadowing Ella/Eleanor’s present.
Summary
Ella meets Anton behind school to avoid attention and confides everything: sneaking around the Carters’ house, confronting Dr. Carter, and learning her biological father is in prison. Anton reassures her, dismissing the Carters’ status, and their bond deepens as they hold hands and he admits he likes her.
Brittany and Meredith interrupt, mocking their closeness. Brittany taunts Ella about her parentage and poverty, calling her mother a hoarder and belittling both teens. Ella shoves Brittany, who shoves her back, sending Ella to the ground and provoking Anton’s anger.
Anton abandons his “pulse control,” punches Brittany, then grabs a rock and, in a rage, smashes her face repeatedly while Meredith screams. Ella tries to stop him, but teachers intervene only after severe damage is done, leaving Brittany unconscious and unrecognizable.
As paramedics take Brittany away and police arrive, Anton is restrained by teachers. Ella realizes the consequence of his violence: she will never see Anton again, marking a formative, traumatic break that informs her future as Eleanor.
Who Appears
- Ella (Eleanor)Narrator of the flashback; confides in Anton, is taunted by Brittany, and witnesses Anton’s brutal attack.
- Anton PetersonElla’s friend; tries to control his temper, then loses it and smashes Brittany’s face with a rock.
- Brittany CarterAntagonistic classmate; taunts Ella about her family and is grievously injured by Anton.
- MeredithBrittany’s friend; witnesses the assault and screams for help.
- Teachers and PoliceTeachers restrain Anton; police and paramedics respond after the attack.