Chapter 28 Summary: Vi's Account on July 24, 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 the evening of July 24, 1978, Vi and Iris pursue the Ghoul through the woods as dusk falls. Vi's mind races with questions: how long had the creature been watching them, and had it witnessed the kiss or overheard their conversation? The Ghoul matches Eric's description exactly—black hood, tall black boots, pale face.

The chase quickly becomes disorienting. Vi realizes they've strayed far from any familiar path, the sun has set behind clouds, and rain begins to fall. She has no binding spell materials—no kosher salt, holy water, or protective amulet—and begins to doubt their bravery. Her legs burn and her lungs ache as they run deeper into unfamiliar territory.

The Ghoul slows on a steep, leaf-covered hill, slipping and stumbling. Vi shouts a command for the creature to leave their realm, but the figure falls to its knees and yelps in a distinctly female voice. When the hood and white ski mask come off, a young woman with long blond hair is revealed—an imposter, not a monster. Vi feels both relieved and disappointed.

The woman identifies herself as Julia Tetreault, a journalism student at Lyndon State. She's twisted her ankle and can barely walk. Iris, still wary, suggests testing whether Julia bleeds, but Julia refuses. Vi and Iris press her about why she's been spying on them.

Julia explains she's working on a project about Dr. Wilson Hicks, a University of Vermont professor who wrote A Case for Good Breeding—a eugenics text. Vi demonstrates her knowledge by naming the book and explaining eugenics as the attempt to improve the human race by making everyone white and smart. Julia is delighted to find a kindred spirit.

Julia reveals she's been investigating the Templeton family study, a pseudonymous research project from Hicks's work. She tracked down Hicks's research assistant, who turned out to be Dr. Helen Hildreth—the girls' grandmother. Julia tried to interview Dr. Hutchins and Dr. Hildreth at the Inn, but they threatened to call the police for trespassing. That's why she resorted to the mask and spying.

Vi and Iris reveal they are Hildreth's grandchildren, living with their grandmother since their parents died in a car accident eight years earlier. Julia asks about their father, Jackson Hildreth, and the girls confirm the details.

As they help Julia walk with a makeshift stick, Julia hints that her story has grown beyond eugenics—that the Hicks research was just a door to a bigger story about the Inn and possible experiments. Iris blurts out the name of the Mayflower Project, but Vi silences her, twisting her arm and warning her to stop. Julia's jaw drops at the mention, clearly recognizing the significance.

Julia appeals to them, saying she believes the truth wants to be told—that it's always there, hidden, calling to be let out. Iris seems ready to confide, but Vi interrupts, refusing to share anything more. She tells Julia they'll get her back to the road, but nothing else. If they catch her spying again, Vi warns, she'll tell Gran.

As they make their way through the rain, Vi thinks about Eric and how disappointed he'll be to learn his ghoul was just a college student. She considers keeping the truth from him.

Key Events

Vi and Iris chase the Ghoul through unfamiliar woods at dusk, becoming lost as rain falls.
The Ghoul slips on a steep hill and is revealed to be Julia Tetreault, a journalism student with a twisted ankle.
Julia explains she's investigating Dr. Wilson Hicks's eugenics research and the Templeton family study.
She reveals that Dr. Hildreth was Hicks's research assistant and now runs the Inn.
Vi and Iris disclose their relationship to Dr. Hildreth and the circumstances of their parents' death.
Iris mentions the Mayflower Project, but Vi silences her and refuses to share more.
Julia articulates her belief that the truth wants to be told.
The girls agree only to help Julia find her way back to the road.

Character Development

Vi shows a shift from bravado to caution. She begins the chase feeling brave, but her confidence erodes as she realizes she's lost, unprepared, and outmatched. Her protective instincts toward her family's secrets become the dominant force, overriding even her curiosity about Julia's story. Her decision to possibly hide the truth from Eric reveals a protective, almost parental side.

Iris emerges as more trusting and open than Vi. She's the one who suggests Julia might be able to help them, and she's willing to share what she knows about the Mayflower Project. Her instinct toward connection contrasts sharply with Vi's guardedness.

Julia Tetreault is introduced as a determined, resourceful young journalist. She's willing to risk trespassing and disguise to pursue a story she believes in. Her excitement when Vi demonstrates knowledge of eugenics suggests she's been working in isolation and craves intellectual companionship. Her belief that truth wants to be told frames her as a truth-seeker, though her methods are questionable.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The Ghoul as Imposter: The creature that seemed supernatural is revealed to be an ordinary person in disguise. This reinforces the novel's pattern of hidden identities and the idea that monsters may be human—and that humans may be monsters.

Monster-Hunting and Binding Spells: Vi's attempt to cast a binding spell without proper materials—no salt, no holy water, no magic words—underscores her vulnerability and the limits of her knowledge. The ritual fails, and the