Chapter 5 Summary, Analysis, and Key Themes
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
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(If you're looking for the previous chapter, see Chapter 4 summary.)
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Summary
After the chaos of the previous chapter, Erin offers to show Benji around the ALC while Nick makes a vague excuse and disappears. Erin provides a bucket of murky but safe water, a rag, and a change of clothes—including boxers and a sports bra, which Benji requests with embarrassment. As Benji washes off their father's blood, they realize they no longer have anything to remember him by, a loss that hits harder than expected.
Erin then gives a tour. The ALC is a shelter that housed at-risk teens before