Contents
Chapter 76
Overview
Persephone slips into Elsie’s house using Roxanne’s key and gleefully reports the schoolyard buzz about Elsie’s newfound notoriety after the viral documentary. Their banter about Elsie’s imaginary friend “Daphne” reveals Elsie’s loneliness as a child and a present shift: Persephone’s friendship is replacing Daphne. The bond between them deepens, softening Elsie.
Summary
Elsie wakes to find Persephone sitting on her bed, despite not staying over. Persephone, thrilled by schoolyard gossip, declares Elsie “famous” as the “crazy murderer-lady” from the now-viral story, and cheekily asks for autographs and a classroom visit. Pressed on how she got in, Persephone admits she took Roxanne’s spare key.
The conversation shifts when Persephone mentions watching the YouTube documentary and questions why Elsie named her imaginary friend “Daphne,” suggesting “Daisy” instead. Elsie explains she created Daphne in childhood because she had no friends and read a lot, using imagination for companionship.
Persephone connects the dots, asking if Elsie speaks to Daphne less now because Persephone is her friend. Elsie deflects but tacitly confirms the change. The moment softens Elsie as she recognizes Persephone’s sweetness and growing circle of friends.
As Persephone rushes off to school, the scene closes on a light note with her complimenting Elsie’s socks. Elsie is left reflecting on the quiet shift from imaginary solace to a real, tender bond.
Who Appears
- Elsie “Mabel”Protagonist; wakes to Persephone’s visit, discusses her imaginary friend Daphne, and acknowledges needing Daphne less.
- PersephoneRoxanne’s daughter; sneaks in with a borrowed key, revels in Elsie’s fame, and claims a growing friendship.
- RoxannePersephone’s mother; previously given a house key, indirectly enables Persephone’s morning visit.