The Reformatory
by Tananarive Due
Contents
Chapter 40
Overview
Robert's escape through the woods becomes a desperate, supernatural passage as Blue, Redbone's drawing, and a brief vision of Mama guide him to the creek. There, Robert frees the trapped ashes from Haddock's haint jar, undoing part of the Reformatory's hidden evil.
The chapter then sharply raises the stakes when Blue reveals that other boys are also in danger and that Kendrick is imprisoned for later abuse. Blue's real plan emerges at the end: Robert's escape was never only about freedom, but about creating the chance to kill Haddock before he can hurt anyone else.
Summary
Robert escapes the cornfield only to find dense, unfamiliar woods instead of an easy path to the creek. The brush slows him badly, scratches his face, and makes him doubt Gloria's directions and Blue's promise of help. When his torn satchel catches on a limb, the haint jar and Haddock's envelope spill out, and Robert wastes precious time recovering them as Haddock's dog and voice draw closer.
As Robert crawls forward, Redbone's drawing blows away and then begins moving in a way that seems guided by a spirit. An unseen crow caws, and the floating paper leads Robert to a hidden deer trail. Robert follows it despite exhaustion, vomiting from strain and fear, then briefly feels carried or lifted as he runs. At the end of the trail, he reaches a clearing and sees a fleeting vision of his mother standing in white near the creek, which confirms that he has found the water and renews his grief.
Robert thanks his mother, secures Redbone's damaged drawing in his pocket, and follows the crow upriver through the creek. He hopes the water will hide his scent, but the dog remains close behind. The crow repeatedly harasses Robert until he understands that Blue wants the haint jar opened now, not later. After Robert slips in the creek and nearly drops everything, he reluctantly stops and decides Blue may be right that this is his only chance.
Unable to unscrew the lid, Robert smashes the haint jar with a stone, shakes the ashes into the creek, and rinses out the bottle. He offers a brief prayer for the dead boys, and Blue appears on the bank in human form to confirm that the trapped spirits are free. Blue also says he is now free to leave once their work is finished, making Robert realize that freeing the ashes was a major turning point.
Blue then reveals that Robert's flight is part of a larger crisis: Tex has led ten other boys into the woods on a second escape route, and Kendrick is locked in the Box where Haddock plans to hurt him. Robert argues that Haddock can still be exposed with the stolen photographs, but Blue insists there is no time and that white authorities may never punish Haddock. Blue finally states his true aim: to stop Haddock by killing him, and Robert's part would be to let Haddock catch him.
Who Appears
- RobertEscaping through the woods, he reaches the creek, frees the trapped ashes, and resists Blue's murder plan.
- BlueGhost guide appearing as crow and boy; leads Robert to the creek and urges Haddock's death.
- HaddockPursues Robert with dogs and is revealed as Blue's intended target.
- MamaBrief ghostly vision in white helps Robert find the creek and strengthens him emotionally.
- RedbonePresent through the haunted drawing that helps guide Robert through the woods.
- TexLeads ten boys in a second escape attempt while attention is focused on Robert.
- KendrickKitchen boy Blue says Haddock has locked in the Box for later abuse.
- GloriaWaiting beyond the creek, she remains Robert's reason for continuing to run.