Summary
Highlights
The protagonist's parents leave to visit Pauline's family. Alex tries to convince the protagonist that Mrs. Rand's testimony, which blames Otis for the incident, is a good thing for him, but the protagonist is deeply disturbed by the lie and the idea of blaming a dead person.
The protagonist feels immense guilt, believing he caused Otis's death and made others like him. He rejects Alex's suggestion to go thank Mrs. Rand and is overwhelmed by the thought of facing people who might praise him for an act he deeply regrets. He struggles with the mental burden of the situation, the details of the past event constantly replaying and distorting in his mind.
The protagonist re-examines the events of the previous day, particularly Alex's behavior and the anonymous note. He suspects Alex might have been involved in leaving the note as a ploy to strengthen their bond, but ultimately finds no evidence to support this theory.
Unable to face his grandmother's phone call about his well-being, the protagonist realizes he must keep his secret forever. He then takes Pauline's flip-flop, buries it in the garden, and marks the spot with a rock, feeling a sense of closure, as if burying Pauline herself.
Raul, a police officer, appears and questions the protagonist about the incident. He mentions Mrs. Rand's observation of a small, unidentified person near Dinkin's Pond. Despite knowing the truth, the protagonist lies, denying he saw anyone, solidifying his commitment to keeping his secret.