NINETEEN

Juliette spends the night unable to sleep because nightmares of Fletcher’s execution, Jenkins dying, and Warner killing Adam keep replaying in her mind. The softness of the bed reminds Juliette of Warner’s room, so Juliette moves to the floor while clutching Adam’s hidden note, still unsure whether the message is real or another manipulation.

Juliette discovers Adam lying on the floor nearby. When Juliette admits she could not sleep in the bed, Adam quietly gives Juliette a pillow and blanket and tells Juliette she no longer needs to scream. His calm presence helps Juliette sleep more peacefully than before.

In the morning, Juliette sees Adam in the bathroom and notices that Adam is covered in bruises from punishment. Juliette shows Adam the crumpled note, confirming that Juliette understood Adam did not betray her. Adam starts to speak but stops, realizing the room may still be monitored.

To hide their conversation, Adam turns on the shower at full force and pulls Juliette into the rushing water. There, Adam reveals that he can touch Juliette without being harmed. Adam explains that he touched Juliette’s face, hand, and arm during their first night in the cell while trying to wake Juliette from screaming nightmares, and Adam now understands why Warner wants Juliette.

Juliette is overwhelmed because Adam’s touch proves Juliette is not untouchable to everyone. Adam promises to get Juliette out, tells Juliette to be dressed and downstairs by eight, and says Adam will find a way to communicate. Before leaving, Adam removes his shirt, revealing a tattoo of a white-and-gold bird in flight, the same kind of image Juliette has long associated with hope and freedom.