Chapter 46
Contains spoilersOverview
Sadie wanders into the basement and nearly discovers Tegan. Hearing Tegan call for help, Polly pulls Sadie out and fabricates a story that the woman is her contagious cousin under Polly’s care. Polly extracts a promise of secrecy with cookies and resolves to keep outsiders away, tightening control.
Summary
Polly realizes Sadie has gone into the basement and finds the girl frozen on the steps as Tegan calls out for help. Fearing exposure, Polly swiftly grabs Sadie’s wrist, pulls her upstairs, and shuts the door, prioritizing secrecy over explanation.
Polly scolds Sadie, who explains she heard a noise and came looking, hoping to discuss cookie options. Polly struggles to steady herself, then shifts tactics from anger to reassurance.
Polly invents a cover story: the woman downstairs is her cousin, very sick and contagious, and Polly—being a nurse—is caring for her. To deter any further curiosity, Polly warns that anyone visiting could get sick and confirms Sadie understands.
Polly then presses for secrecy, telling Sadie not to tell anyone to avoid spreading illness, and promises Oreos and future meals. Internally, Polly resolves to prepare food in advance and keep everyone out of the house while Tegan remains confined.
Who Appears
- Polly
Captor who intercepts Sadie, lies about Tegan being contagious, secures secrecy, and plans to prevent visitors.
- Sadie
Hungry neighbor child who nearly discovers Tegan in the basement and is convinced to keep the secret.
- Tegan
Captive in the basement; calls out for help from her hospital bed but is not seen.