Deputy Wendy Gullickson arrives at Mr. Jackson’s back room with take-out food and warmly greets Tim Jamieson, revealing their relationship. Tim introduces Wendy to Luke Ellis, who, after a nod from Tim, shares his real name. Wendy notes Luke’s bruises and bandaged ear and offers him food.

Luke eats ravenously—chicken, a hamburger, fries, and rice pudding—while Tim finishes the remaining chicken and a Coke. After eating, Luke unexpectedly breaks down crying. Wendy comforts Luke, hugging him and smoothing his hair until he calms, and Tim kneels beside him. Luke apologizes and says he feels alive again; Wendy identifies it as relief.

Tim tells Wendy that Luke claims his parents were murdered and he was kidnapped. Luke vehemently corrects him, insisting it is the truth. When Tim and Wendy ask for his story, Luke first requests they check whether Norbert Hollister—previously told to leave—is still around.

Wendy steps outside and reports that Norbert is sitting at the depot reading a magazine. Luke says in a low voice that Norbert is an “uncle,” using the term for Institute operatives who watched him in other towns. Tim looks out in time to see Norbert get up and walk toward his motel without looking back. Luke worries Norbert may be calling others and vows not to be taken back, saying he thought he would die at the Institute.

When Tim asks where, Luke names the Institute. Wendy urges him to start at the beginning and tell everything. Luke begins recounting his story as the chapter closes.