Contents
Chapter 30
Overview
In a past timeline after Bonfire Day, young Mabel flees bullying and meets her teacher, Mr. Loukas, on the beach. She reveals her mother’s death, the secret of sister Kitty’s polio death, and her father’s blame. Mr. Loukas offers empathy and validation before Cess calls Mabel home. The scene explains the origins and weight of “Mad Mabel.”
Summary
In a flashback following Bonfire Day, Mabel runs up the beach to burn off a surge of black, dangerous rage. Exhausted beside a rubbish bin, she is surprised to encounter her teacher, Mr. Loukas, walking his small dog, Marilyn.
Mr. Loukas invites Mabel to sit and asks what hurts. Mabel admits the pain is everywhere—grief over her mother’s recent death and relentless bullying as “Mad Mabel.” As they talk, she discloses a deeper wound: her mother revealed that Mabel had a baby sister, Kitty, who died of polio when Mabel was three and Kitty one.
Mabel explains that her father believes she intentionally gave Kitty polio, and now other children repeat the story, making her feel monstrous and friendless. Mr. Loukas listens, labels the nickname unkind, and frames Mabel’s experience as grief rather than madness, offering gentle reassurance. He adds that Marilyn thinks Mabel is “amazing,” giving her a rare moment of affirmation.
When Cess’s distant calls reach them, Mr. Loukas urges Mabel to go so her aunt won’t worry. Mabel runs back, buoyed by the first kindness to counter the stigma attached to her name and past.
Who Appears
- Mabel (Elsie)Young protagonist; flees bullying, reveals Kitty’s polio death and her father’s blame, receives comfort.
- Mr. LoukasMabel’s teacher; meets her on the beach, listens empathetically, validates her grief and worth.
- Marilyn (Mr. Loukas’s dog)Yappy companion; catalyst for lightness as Mr. Loukas uses her to reassure Mabel.
- CessMabel’s aunt; calls for Mabel, prompting her to return home.