In the cafeteria, Mrs. Sigsby entered in a crimson suit and immediately commanded silence from children, caretakers, techs, and kitchen staff. She addressed the “unfortunate incident” from two nights earlier, denying rumors that two children died and declaring, “we do not kill children here in the Institute.” She framed the children’s presence as compulsory service for their country and the world, stating that before they leave their memories of the Institute will be erased.

Mrs. Sigsby insisted the children would endure difficult tests but survive and rejoin their families, emphasizing that the Institute had “never lost a child.” She searched faces, briefly locking eyes with Luke Ellis, implicitly challenging his intelligence and influence. She then provided a specific account of the incident: Harold (Harry) Cross supposedly had a brief seizure after the flashing-dots test, inadvertently struck Greta Wilcox, and Greta suffered only a severely sprained neck. She claimed Greta was recovering with her sister, and that the Wilcox twins and Harold would be sent home next week.

She warned that anyone contradicting her account was lying and must be reported immediately. After demanding vocal affirmation, she escalated the children’s responses until everyone, including staff, shouted “YES, MRS. SIGSBY!” She then ordered extra desserts as a morale gesture and exited amid applause, wearing a controlled smile as staff parted to let her pass.

As the clapping continued, Avery Dixon whispered to Luke that Mrs. Sigsby lied about everything. Luke silently agreed and told Avery telepathically to keep clapping, maintaining the façade under surveillance and pressure. The scene ended with the boys outwardly complying while inwardly rejecting the official narrative.