Chapter 22
Contains spoilersOverview
Hank arrives as Mitch assaults Polly, forces an apology, and expels him from the house. He then orders Polly to avoid Sadie and her father, citing a prior CPS investigation and prioritizing safety. Polly recognizes Hank’s fear, reluctantly agrees, and privately grapples with guilt and a hinted past loss of parenthood.
Summary
Polly is seized by a drunken Mitch, who wrenches her wrist after she let him in, worried about his daughter Sadie. As she fears he will break her arm, she also thinks about what he might have done to Sadie for visiting their home.
Hank arrives unexpectedly, towering over Mitch and intimidating him into retreat. He demands Mitch apologize to Polly and never return. Mitch stammers an apology and flees. Polly is relieved but worries Mitch may punish Sadie instead and resolves to check on her.
After locking the door, Hank confronts Polly for involving herself with their neighbors. He insists she should have sent Sadie away and declares they must stay out of it, noting they already called Child Protective Services and it was investigated. He repeats that it is none of their business.
Seeing Hank’s fear over what could have happened if he hadn’t arrived, Polly agrees to avoid Sadie and her father. She seeks comfort in his arms, apologizes for something he doesn’t understand, and reflects that Hank would have been a great father—a painful reminder of a past loss she believes is her fault.
Who Appears
- Polly
Nurse and narrator; assaulted by Mitch, saved by Hank; ordered to avoid Sadie; agrees, burdened by guilt and past loss.
- Hank
Polly’s protective husband; confronts Mitch, forces an apology; insists Polly stay away from Sadie, citing CPS; reveals fear.
- Mitch
Drunk neighbor; assaults Polly, then retreats and apologizes under Hank’s threat.
- Sadie
Mitch’s bruised daughter; absent but central to the conflict; subject of CPS inquiry and Polly’s concern.