Chapter 32

Elsie, nursing a broken wrist and choosing to stay indoors to avoid Roxanne, Persephone, Joan, and even Peter, prepares dinner and reflects that Daphne is her only needed friend—though Daphne is resting. Nugget, recently dropped off by Mrs. Nguyen, shadows her.

Persephone loudly whispers at Elsie’s bedroom window, defying Roxanne’s order to keep away. Elsie opens the window and corrects Persephone for calling her “Elsa,” then answers cautious questions about the earlier blood-spraying attack, explaining that people sometimes judge without knowing someone. The two briefly joke about turning the tables.

Persephone admits Roxanne forbade contact but insists she isn’t bothering Elsie, confessing she felt lonely and imagined Elsie might be, too. Elsie asks about school friends, and Persephone shares she’s met a new friend, Delly, and wants her to visit, though Roxanne’s work schedule prevents it. They momentarily hold hands, underscoring their growing attachment.

Roxanne calls Persephone to dinner, forcing them to separate. Before leaving, Persephone says she liked being called “darling,” and Elsie replies she may do it again if Persephone keeps calling her Elsie. The scene ends with their bond strengthened yet constrained by Roxanne’s rules.