Chapter 21

Ella panics after striking Devin with a rock, but Devin groans, proving he is alive. Anton, bloodied and in pain, kicks Devin once and urges Ella to run. Fearing Devin’s retaliation and his knife, they sprint away until safe distance, where Ella sees the extent of Anton’s injuries.

Anton, worried about his father’s reaction if he goes home battered, begs to use Ella’s bathroom. Despite dread about exposing her living situation, Ella relents and takes him to her house. Inside, Anton is visibly taken aback by the hoarded mess—mattress “couch,” stacked papers, stockpiled items—but heads to the bathroom to clean up.

While Anton washes, Ella braves the laundry-strewn basement to find a clean shirt, returning with an undershirt. Anton changes, admits he’d rather have no father than his own, and surprisingly treats Ella’s environment without mockery, even calling the mattress couch “cool.” He lights a salvaged cigarette butt and pivots to their school project, conceding he was an “asshole” and offering to help.

Determined not to work amid the clutter, Ella insists they meet at Anton’s house; he agrees. Just as their wary truce forms, a key turns in the door—Ella’s mother arrives earlier than expected, leaving Ella fearing immediate trouble.