Chapter 18: Vi — July 7, 1978

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

On July 7, 1978, Eric calls an emergency meeting in the clubhouse, insisting he has seen a monster twice—once the previous night and again that evening. Vi, still shaken by what she discovered in Gran's office three weeks earlier, is almost grateful for the distraction. She has told no one about the eugenics materials and the Dr. Hicks connection, having lied to her friends that the office search was a bust. Patty remains angry about Vi taking the key without permission.

Vi returned the key the Monday after her break-in, slipping it back onto its hook while Miss Evelyn was absorbed in her work. The flashlight, however, is still missing. Vi has searched the Inn's halls, the grounds, and the area near the barn, but it's nowhere to be found. Gran has never mentioned it, leaving Vi to wonder whether Gran hasn't noticed or is quietly waiting. Vi reflects on Gran's chess lessons about thinking many moves ahead, anticipating an opponent's strategy.

The day before, while helping Gran clean her home office, Vi watched Gran empty her purse onto the desk, revealing the heavy key ring. Gran noticed Vi's distraction and asked if she was all right. Vi deflected, saying she was thinking about Iris and the frustration of not remembering. Gran, playing with her gold butterfly lighter, replied that perhaps some things are best not remembered.

In the clubhouse, Eric describes the creature: a loping walk, a pale blank face, a hooded cape. He believes it was watching the house, looking for them—perhaps aware of the club and their monster hunting. He explains he waited to tell them because he knew they wouldn't believe him without proof. His proof is a blurry Polaroid taken from inside the old rabbit hutch, where he hid after telling everyone he was going to bed early. Eric has also drawn the creature, labeling it