Brother

At a remote farmhouse in Appalachia, Michael Morrow lies in bed listening to a girl screaming outside. We learn that his family, particularly his mother, routinely captures and kills young women, with Michael being forced to participate in these horrific activities. The setting and atmosphere establish a disturbing family dynamic where murder has become normalized, though Michael remains privately troubled by the screaming.

The scene unfolds as a captured girl manages to escape, leading to a pursuit involving multiple family members. Michael's siblings, Rebel (Ray) and Misty Dawn, are introduced - Misty staying inside listening to ABBA while collecting jewelry from dead girls, and Rebel ineffectively chasing the escapee. Their father Wade, a Vietnam veteran, watches with a detached demeanor as Michael is called upon to catch the girl.

The chase sequence reveals Michael's conflicted nature as he pursues the girl through the woods. Though physically capable of catching her due to his height and knowledge of the terrain, he momentarily considers letting her escape. However, fear of consequences forces him to continue. The chapter culminates in a violent confrontation where Michael subdues the girl with a rock, knocking her unconscious. The scene ends with him carrying her back to the house, knowing she will ultimately end up dead in the cellar.

Michael scrubs blood from the cellar floor when Rebel summons him for a liquor run. Their dynamic is revealed to be deeply troubled, with Rebel treating Michael more as a useful tool than a brother, particularly valuing his speed in outrunning store clerks. Despite Michael's discomfort and wet clothes from cleaning, Rebel forces him to leave immediately in their stolen Oldsmobile Delta.

At a remote gas station called Moe's, Michael attempts to steal a bottle of Jim Beam using his usual technique of concealing it under his sweatshirt. When the theft is discovered, Michael makes a run for it, but Rebel betrays him by driving away instead of providing the expected getaway. Michael manages to escape after striking the pursuing clerk with the bottle, only to find Rebel waiting down the road, treating the entire incident as a joke.

The chapter culminates in a tense family scene at the farmhouse, where Wade confronts both sons about the reckless liquor run, particularly noting Michael's blood-stained boots as a dangerous oversight. The confrontation reveals deeper family dynamics, with Claudine defending Rebel while Wade expresses concern about police attention. When Rebel callously suggests he would let Michael take the fall if they're ever caught, the family tensions explode, resulting in Claudine violently disciplining Misty Dawn for attempting to defend Michael. The scene ends with Michael retreating upstairs, having witnessed his brother's willingness to sacrifice him and his family's dysfunction in full display.

Through a flashback, we learn about Ray/Rebel's relationship with his sister Lauralynn Morrow, who strongly resembled Claudine with her strawberry-blonde hair. The chapter reveals a tender moment between the siblings when Lauralynn, then ten years old, confided in eight-year-old Ray about her dreams of becoming both a teacher and a veterinarian. This intimate scene, set in their backyard while tending to Lauralynn's rabbits, shows a gentler side of Ray, though his possessive nature emerges as he internally rejects the idea of sharing his sister's attention with other children.

The peaceful moment is shattered when Claudine discovers Lauralynn hasn't completed her assigned chores. The ensuing punishment scene, viewed through young Ray's eyes, shows Lauralynn facing her mother's belt with silent stoicism. Ray's fear of losing his sister to her dreams of education and escape leads him to a dark decision - he resolves to find her a 'student' to keep her from leaving, revealing early signs of his later controlling and violent nature.

The chapter then details Ray's first act of significant violence - the calculated murder of the family dog, Rowlf. Under the cover of night, Ray kills the elderly Russian wolfhound with a ball-peen hammer, later manipulating his parents with crocodile tears about the dog's supposed disappearance. The chapter culminates with Ray spotting a young child selling rocks by the roadside, marking him as the 'student' he intends to procure for Lauralynn, foreshadowing the family's descent into more serious crimes.

Michael and Misty Dawn share an intimate conversation in her room about the family dynamics following the earlier confrontation. Misty, still recovering from her mother's violent punishment, expresses concern about the growing tension between Wade and Rebel. Their discussion reveals Michael's complex relationship with Rebel, driven by fear and a sort of conditioned obedience, while also highlighting Misty's subtle acts of rebellion, such as refusing to use Rebel's chosen nickname.

The siblings' conversation turns to dreams of escape, with Misty asking Michael if he would leave if given the chance. Michael admits to fantasizing about the places from his postcards but feels conflicted about leaving Misty behind. Their moment of connection is shattered when they discover Rebel has been eavesdropping on their conversation from the hallway.

The chapter shifts to Michael and Rebel on a mysterious surveillance mission, watching a house that's notably different from their own farmhouse. They observe a woman in her early fifties, whom Michael believes is too old to be one of their mother's typical victims. Rebel's intense interest in the woman and his cryptic comment about her being 'perfect' creates an ominous undertone, suggesting a possible deviation from their usual pattern of victims. Michael's brief moment of peaceful daydreaming about having his own home someday provides a stark contrast to the sinister nature of their observation.

Through a revealing flashback, we learn the true origin of Michael's presence in the Morrow family. At just four years old, he was kidnapped by Ray as a 'gift' for Lauralynn, who had expressed desires to become a teacher. When first brought to the family, Michael (whose original name was Merrell) did nothing but cry, only revealing his name and age when Lauralynn took him to see the rabbits. The scene shows Lauralynn's initial horror at her brother's actions and her desperate plea to return the child.

Claudine's involvement in the kidnapping becomes clear when she interrupts Lauralynn and Ray's argument about returning Michael. Her cold statement that 'This ain't a dog' and that they now have him 'for the rest of your life' reveals how the family's criminal behavior became normalized. Despite Lauralynn's continued protests, Ray takes control of the situation, forcibly renaming the boy Michael and declaring himself the child's savior and 'boss.'

The chapter culminates in Ray's manipulation of both Michael and Lauralynn. When Michael won't stop crying for his parents, Ray cruelly tells him that his real family abandoned him and threatens to leave him in the woods for wolves and bears. This threat, combined with Ray's assertion that he alone wanted Michael, shows his early mastery of psychological manipulation. The final scene reveals Ray's true motivation: by giving Lauralynn someone dependent on her, he ensures she can never leave the family with a clear conscience, effectively trapping her through her own compassion.

The surveillance mission complete, Rebel makes an unusual gesture by taking Michael to a record store called The Dervish in Dahlia and inviting him inside rather than leaving him in the car. While Rebel flirts with a strawberry-blonde employee at the counter, Michael explores the store, taking in the psychedelic atmosphere and thinking about Misty Dawn's music collection. During his browsing, Michael encounters a striking girl with black hair who reminds him of Snow White, triggering uncomfortable feelings of attraction that he associates with forbidden desires.

Rebel's subsequent interaction with Michael reveals his intentions to start taking his brother into town more often, positioning it as an act of brotherly bonding while dismissively saying 'fuck her' about their mother's potential objections. This apparent olive branch comes with strings attached, as Rebel criticizes Michael's awkward behavior around the record store girl and insists he needs to act more 'normal' during these outings.

The chapter culminates in a tense family dinner scene where Wade questions their long absence. When Misty Dawn makes a pointed comment about Rebel's drinking, tensions escalate rapidly. The situation explodes when Rebel mentions Lauralynn and 'the grandparents' house,' triggering a violent reaction from Claudine who forbids anyone from speaking that name in the house. In the aftermath, Rebel reveals a shocking truth to Michael, muttering that he should have 'gotten rid of you' like he did with 'that stupid fuckin' dog,' confirming his responsibility for Rowlf's death. The chapter ends with Michael and Misty discussing the ominous implications of being sent to their grandparents' house, noting that Lauralynn was never seen again after being sent there.

Two years after Michael's kidnapping, the Morrow family attends the Cabell County Fair. The outing reveals earlier family dynamics, with Lauralynn organizing the children into pairs - Ray with Misty Dawn, and Michael staying with herself. The scene provides insight into the family's economic situation through details about the girls' hand-me-down dresses from their grandmother Jean, who is described as cruel and domineering.

The fair sequence shows a rare moment of relative normalcy and joy for the children, who enjoy rides and carnival food together. However, darker undertones emerge through Ray's compulsive stealing and a disturbing memory of Grandpa Eugene's inappropriate behavior with Lauralynn on their back porch. Wade's initial hesitation about taking Michael to the fair reveals ongoing concerns about his kidnapped status, though Claudine dismisses these worries due to Michael's changed appearance.

The chapter's pivotal moment occurs in the funhouse, where Michael's terror in the hall of mirrors triggers memories of his kidnapping. When Lauralynn comforts the frightened child, Ray experiences a profound moment of jealousy and alienation upon noticing his absence in the mirror's reflection, seeing only Lauralynn and Michael reflected back. This symbolic erasure deeply disturbs Ray, leading to him violently lashing out at Misty Dawn and isolating himself during the ride home. The chapter ends with Ray fixating on Lauralynn still holding Michael's hand, highlighting his growing resentment of their bond.

Following the tense surveillance of the woman in the green-shuttered house, Rebel abruptly abandons their observation post despite Michael's protests about not having properly cleared the target. When Michael expresses concern about breaking Wade's rules, Rebel launches into a manipulative speech about Wade using fear to control them, suggesting their father's Vietnam experiences have made him overly paranoid. This marks a significant shift in Rebel's approach to their activities, as he begins openly defying established family protocols.

Rebel drives them back to the Dervish record store, where he pursues his growing interest in Lucy. After initially staying in the car, Michael enters the store, driven by his fear that Rebel might pursue both Lucy and Alice if left unchecked. The scene that unfolds reveals Rebel and Lucy disappearing into a storage room together, leaving Michael alone in the store.

During Rebel's absence, Michael has his first real interaction with Alice. Their conversation reveals her as an alternative music enthusiast who works at the store, and she loans Michael a Cure record despite his inability to pay. Their interaction shows Michael experiencing unfamiliar feelings of normalcy and attraction, even sharing his full name - a serious violation of family rules. The chapter ends with Michael leaving the store, feeling a profound desire to abandon his old life and become someone new for Alice, even as he's pulled back to reality by the sound of the Oldsmobile's engine.

Following their visit to the record store, Michael returns home with the borrowed Cure record, finding Claudine cooking dinner. Upon reaching Misty Dawn's room, he discovers her with a fresh bruise from Claudine, who had become violent after Rebel's earlier mention of Lauralynn. Their conversation reveals more about Lauralynn's fate - she was sent to live with Grandma Jean and Grandpa Eugene Westfall in North Carolina fifteen years ago and never returned, with implications that the grandparents were cruel people who likely influenced Claudine's own violent tendencies.

The siblings listen to the borrowed record together, with Michael becoming entranced by the haunting music and thinking about Alice from the store. However, the moment takes a dark turn when Misty Dawn begins dancing provocatively and straddles Michael, suggesting she could help him learn how to handle girls like Alice. Michael becomes extremely uncomfortable, trapped between not wanting to hurt Misty's feelings and his desire to escape the situation. His attempts to mentally replace Misty with Alice fail due to the stark contrast between Misty's cigarette smell and his memory of Alice's spearmint scent.

The intimate moment is violently interrupted by Rebel, who discovers them and reacts with explosive rage. He attacks both siblings, first pulling Misty away and then repeatedly punching Michael, targeting various parts of his body. After assaulting Michael, Rebel turns his fury on Misty, slamming her against the wall and calling her a 'filthy whore' before storming out. The chapter concludes with a tense family dinner where Wade notices their injuries, but Claudine dismissively justifies the violence as necessary discipline. Rebel makes a cruel joke about wanting the siblings to 'match,' revealing the family's casual acceptance of brutality.

Ray's criminal tendencies trace back to his mother Claudine, who taught him to steal during grocery store trips when he was young. These early experiences normalized theft for Ray, with Claudine even laughing in a store manager's face when Ray was caught stealing candy. His first significant independent crime came during a family outing when he stole cherry bombs from a fireworks tent, marking his evolution from petty theft to more dangerous criminal behavior.

Armed with the stolen explosives, Ray orchestrates a calculated attempt to harm six-year-old Michael. Under the pretense of giving Michael a birthday present, Ray convinces the young boy to cup the cherry bomb in his hands, telling him it would create a special surprise. Ray's internal thoughts reveal his hope that the explosion would severely injure or kill Michael, motivated by his lingering resentment over Michael's close relationship with Lauralynn and the memory of being 'erased' in the funhouse mirror.

Wade's intervention from the nearby tool shed thwarts the murder attempt at the last moment, throwing the cherry bomb into the trees where it explodes harmlessly. Wade's subsequent punishment of Ray is brutal, beating him severely with a belt in the tool shed. The chapter concludes with Ray watching from his bedroom window as Michael receives comfort and attention from the family, particularly from Lauralynn and Wade, further fueling his resentment. The final scene of Wade and Michael detonating the second cherry bomb together serves as a bitter reminder to Ray of his isolation within the family.

Rebel forcibly awakens Michael in the pre-dawn darkness and takes him on an ominous drive deep into Appalachia. After an hour of driving through winding roads, they stop in a remote location where Rebel forces Michael to dig a hole, creating a terrifying parallel to Michael's recurring nightmares of his own death. However, instead of becoming Michael's grave, the hole becomes a symbolic burial site for his most cherished possessions - including a toy pig from Misty Dawn, postcards of Times Square and Honolulu, and notably, a business card from The Dervish that Rebel included as a pointed reminder of Alice.

The true purpose of this excursion becomes clear as Rebel confronts Michael about the intimate moment with Misty Dawn from the previous night. Rebel asserts his absolute authority, forcing Michael to watch as his possessions are destroyed and buried. Through this ritualistic destruction, Rebel establishes a new hierarchy of control, demanding that Michael ignore Wade and Claudine's orders unless cleared through him first, and forbidding any intimate contact with Misty Dawn. The threat is clear - the next time Michael disobeys, he'll be digging his own grave instead.

On their return journey, Michael channels his frustration into an aggressive liquor theft from a closed gas station, smashing windows and stealing multiple bottles in their most successful haul yet. The chapter concludes with an unprecedented moment - Rebel actually apologizes to Michael and acknowledges him as a good brother. This rare display of vulnerability, coming after such a brutal demonstration of power, highlights the complex and manipulative nature of their relationship, leaving Michael emotionally conflicted to the point of tears.

Michael's growing integration into the Morrow family directly corresponded with Ray's increasing sense of alienation. When Wade gives seven-year-old Michael one of Ray's old Christmas presents - a kid's rifle - and assigns him the task of hunting for the family's food, Ray views it as both punishment for the cherry bomb incident and further evidence of his replacement. Michael proves surprisingly adept at hunting, regularly bringing home various small game, though his success with the rifle serves only to deepen Ray's resentment.

Driven by curiosity and jealousy, Ray begins secretly following Michael on his hunting expeditions. After witnessing Michael miss a turkey shot, Ray takes satisfaction in the boy's subsequent hunting dry spell, watching as Michael becomes increasingly desperate to prove himself worthy of Wade's trust. The situation leads Michael to wake earlier and earlier, eventually heading out to hunt in the pre-dawn darkness despite his fear of the dark.

The chapter culminates in a disturbing revelation of Michael's developing darkness when Ray witnesses him deliberately stealing one of Lauralynn's beloved white rabbits, Snowball, from its cage. Rather than feeling outraged, Ray experiences a surge of vindictive pleasure as he watches Michael take the rabbit into the woods, shoot it, and return with the skinned carcass for dinner. Ray views this act as perfect poetic justice - Lauralynn will unknowingly eat her own pet as punishment for what Ray perceives as her betrayal in favoring Michael over him. The incident marks a significant shift in Ray's perception of Michael, seeing potential value in his adopted brother's capacity for cruelty.

Michael accompanies Rebel on another surveillance mission to the green-shuttered house, anxiously examining his healing split lip in the car mirror while devising explanations for when Alice inevitably notices. Rebel returns in unusually high spirits after spending three days locked away drinking their stolen liquor supply.

The brothers head to The Dervish for a double date to the movies. While Rebel disappears into the back with Lucy, Michael and Alice share an intimate conversation that reveals significant details about her life - including her artistic aspirations to become a comic artist, her father's death in a mining accident, her strained relationship with her depressed mother, and her desperate desire to escape West Virginia. The conversation takes an uncomfortable turn when Alice questions Michael about his family dynamics and his hunting activities.

The chapter concludes with a tense moment as Rebel instructs Michael to wait by the car while he, Lucy, and Alice close up the store. Michael hesitates, recognizing Rebel's shift into his seductive 'hunting' persona - complete with what he calls his 'killer smile and bedroom eyes.' Despite his concern for the girls' safety, Michael reluctantly complies with Rebel's request, leaving the store with a scowl while contemplating how Rebel once told him he could be even better at seducing girls if he wasn't so awkward.

The double date proceeds as planned when Rebel takes Lucy and Alice to see The Shining at the Dahlia Cineplex. The evening marks Michael's first-ever movie theater experience, which draws curious reactions from both girls. When Rebel and Lucy pair off, Michael and Alice find their own seats, sharing an intimate conversation about movies where Michael reveals his fondness for The Wizard of Oz, though Alice challenges his interpretation of the film's meaning about escape versus home.

During the movie, Michael experiences a mix of wonder at both the film and Alice's presence beside him. However, this intimate moment is tainted when his attraction to Alice triggers disturbing thoughts - he briefly imagines her as one of their victims in the basement, dead and stripped. This intrusive visualization both revolts and excites him, creating internal conflict when Alice initiates physical contact and kisses him near the end of the night.

The chapter concludes with a telling interaction between the brothers after dropping the girls off at the Dervish. When Rebel questions Michael about his interest in Alice, Michael's breathless confirmation seems to please his brother in an ominous way. Rebel's response of being 'glad indeed' carries sinister undertones, suggesting Alice's role in their lives may become more significant than a simple romantic interest.

Michael spends the day after his movie date with Alice attempting to draw comics inspired by her artwork. His crude sketches depict scenes from his life - sitting in the Delta with Rebel, conducting surveillance, and Misty Dawn dancing while Claudine watches from the shadows. When Rebel discovers these drawings, his initially teasing response about Michael's attraction to Alice turns darker as he reminds Michael that they're not blood-related, suggesting Michael has no real chance with her.

The chapter shifts as Rebel summons Michael for another 'job,' this time targeting the woman in the green-shuttered house they've been surveilling. Despite Michael's concerns about the rushed nature of the plan and the possibility of the woman not being alone, Rebel insists on proceeding. The operation deviates from their usual method of targeting hitchhikers, marking their first home invasion. While waiting outside, Michael briefly fantasizes about the target killing Rebel, allowing him to escape with Misty Dawn and Alice to start a new life.

The scene culminates in a disturbing assault, with Michael entering the house to find Rebel sexually assaulting the partially undressed woman. Most shockingly, the woman recognizes and calls out Michael's name, though the reason for this recognition remains unexplained. After binding her with duct tape and loading her into the trunk, Rebel's behavior becomes increasingly unsettling, responding to Michael's question about the woman knowing his name with only an ominous laugh. The chapter ends with strong implications that this victim has some significant connection to Michael's past.

Ray's calculated cruelty reaches its climax as he awaits Lauralynn's discovery of her empty rabbit cage. Michael's guilt over killing Snowball nearly betrays his involvement when Lauralynn finds all her rabbits missing, though his tearful apology is misinterpreted as shared grief. Throughout the day, the siblings search the woods for the missing pets while Ray secretly anticipates the evening's revelation.

The situation explodes during dinner when Claudine serves one of the rabbits whole on a platter, complete with its head. Lauralynn, recognizing her pet, erupts in unprecedented fury, calling her mother a 'bitch' - a transgression that leads to Claudine violently throwing her into an armoire. The impact results in severe bleeding and knocks out two of Lauralynn's teeth, prompting Wade to send the other children upstairs while Lauralynn's screams continue below.

Later that night, Ray witnesses through his bedroom window as Wade carries Lauralynn's limp body into the woods, returning empty-handed before retrieving a shovel. The next morning, when questioned about Lauralynn's absence, Claudine fabricates a story about sending her to live with their grandparents in North Carolina. While Misty Dawn and Michael innocently accept this explanation, Ray confronts his parents about the lie, though neither will acknowledge the truth. The chapter ends with Ray silently vowing never to call Claudine 'Momma' again, having witnessed her true nature in her calculating gaze.

Michael attempts to block out the woman's death screams by focusing on thoughts of Alice, though he's troubled by how easily he can compartmentalize the horrors of his life. When called to dispose of the body, he discovers Rebel behaving strangely, circling the corpse and offering an unsettling smile that seems out of character. The woman's death scene reveals she was wearing a gold necklace with the letter 'M,' which Michael pockets before beginning his grim task in the basement.

The chapter provides the first detailed look at Michael's methodology for disposing of bodies, revealing his systematic approach to dismemberment and his attempts to maintain some dignity for the victims. His process, which once took six hours but now takes less than three, includes draining blood, removing organs, and careful dismemberment. Throughout the process, Michael struggles with disturbing feelings of arousal, attempting to fantasize about Alice but becoming disgusted when the fantasy morphs into a violent scenario involving Rebel. He marks another notch under his window sill, bringing the total to nearly thirty victims.

The following day, Rebel announces they're heading to Dahlia, prompting Michael to take unusual care with his appearance for Alice. During the drive, Michael contemplates the impossibility of a normal life with Alice, wondering if he could maintain a marriage while secretly continuing his family's murderous activities. When he cautiously brings up the possibility of leaving their current life behind, Rebel dismisses the idea, claiming 'blood is thicker than water' and reminding Michael of his role in procuring victims. The chapter ends with Rebel offering disturbing advice about making Alice 'belong' to Michael, promising that if Michael follows his lead, he can 'have her forever.'

Michael accompanies Rebel to The Dervish, where an unexpected moment of normalcy unfolds when Alice agrees to go on an impromptu lunch date at McDonald's. Michael experiences a rare taste of ordinary teenage life, complete with playful banter over a Happy Meal and discussions about movies. During their conversation, Michael briefly contemplates telling Alice about his life but realizes the impossibility of revealing his dark secrets. Their connection deepens with a kiss, though the moment is tainted by Michael's awareness of the vast gulf between his public persona and private reality.

The peaceful interlude is shattered when they return to The Dervish, where Rebel begins deliberately undermining Michael's attempts at normalcy by revealing his adopted status to Alice. This leads to a heated confrontation between the brothers in the parking lot, where Michael accuses Rebel of intentionally sabotaging his happiness. Rebel responds with a chilling reminder about 'bringing her into the fold,' making an ominous connection between Alice's strawberry-blonde hair and Claudine's preferences, though he later claims it was just a joke.

The chapter concludes with an unsettling dinner scene at the Morrow house, where Rebel's behavior becomes increasingly suspicious. After serving Michael a second helping of stew, Rebel announces he's going out on a secret errand, refusing to let Michael accompany him. Michael notices Rebel concealing a piece of paper along with his car keys, creating a sense of foreboding. Despite Misty Dawn's suggestion that it might be related to Michael's upcoming birthday, the chapter ends with Michael forcing himself to eat while troubled by thoughts of 'long walks and shovels and wolves,' suggesting something far more sinister is in motion.

This chapter shifts to a flashback revealing the origins of Rebel's transformation and Michael's deeper initiation into violence. Seven years earlier, following Lauralynn's disappearance, young Michael moves into her old room with his few possessions, effectively beginning the process of erasing her presence from the house. Ray, deeply affected by these changes, begins coping with his loneliness by stealing Wade's whiskey, eventually leading to Wade gifting him a case of gin on his thirteenth birthday. During this period, Ray adopts the name Rebel, though only Michael acknowledges the change, and he continues to harbor the dark secret of Lauralynn's true fate, using it as fuel for his growing desire for vengeance against Michael.

Rebel begins accompanying Michael on hunting trips, where his true violent nature emerges during an incident with a wounded pheasant. When Michael merely wounds a bird, Rebel demonstrates his sadistic tendencies by slowly dismembering the living creature, marking a significant shift in their hunting dynamic. This display of cruelty catches Claudine's attention, leading to Rebel's initiation into the family's more serious criminal activities, as Wade takes him on his first human hunting expedition targeting a vulnerable drug-addicted woman.

The chapter culminates in a disturbing sequence where Rebel is given free rein to torture their captured victim for two days in the yard, carving his name into her body and attempting to cut off her fingers. Michael and Misty Dawn witness this brutality from Lauralynn's window, leading to a pivotal moment where Rebel, after the victim's death, insists that Michael should 'finish the job' in the basement. The chapter ends with Rebel sitting outside the locked cellar door, listening to Michael's desperate pleas while being forced to dismember his first human victim, marking a significant escalation in Michael's involvement in the family's crimes.

Michael and Misty Dawn listen to records in her room, though his thoughts remain consumed by worry about what Rebel might do to Lucy or Alice. His anxiety is interrupted when Misty enters his bedroom late at night, leading to a tense confrontation about their changing relationship. Misty expresses her hurt and loneliness, pointing out how Michael and Rebel's frequent absences have left her vulnerable to Claudine's abuse, despite Michael's promises to protect her.

The tension escalates when Misty makes sexual advances toward Michael, attempting to kiss him and suggesting that since they aren't blood-related, it wouldn't be wrong to 'practice' for Alice. Michael's rejection deeply wounds Misty, though he attempts to make amends by giving her the gold 'M' necklace from their recent victim, claiming it stands for 'Misty.' The gesture falls flat as Misty sadly notes that it likely stands for 'Michael' before leaving him alone.

The following morning, driven by guilt over neglecting Misty and his promises to protect her, Michael decides to end his relationship with Alice. When Rebel takes him toward town, Michael brings Alice's borrowed record to return it, planning to cut ties completely. However, when Michael reveals his intentions, Rebel becomes increasingly agitated, especially upon learning that Misty's influence drove this decision. The chapter ends with a chilling turn as Rebel, upon hearing about Misty's role in Michael's decision, ominously suggests that their 'sick' sister needs some of Claudine's special brand of 'medicine,' forcing Michael to abandon his plans to protect Misty in order to speak with Alice.

Michael's panic overrides any lingering awkwardness from his rejection of Misty as he races home, knowing she's in imminent danger. Upon reaching her room, he tries to get her to escape through a window, but their attempt is thwarted when Rebel appears, quoting lines from The Shining and attacking them both. The confrontation turns violent as Rebel dislocates Misty's arm and brutally assaults both siblings before dragging Misty downstairs.

The situation escalates when Rebel presents Misty to Claudine, accusing her of being a 'whore' and revealing her attempted seduction of Michael. Rebel manipulates the situation by claiming Michael confessed everything to him, forcing Michael into an impossible position - either confirm Misty's guilt or be accused of lying himself, with exile to the woods as punishment. When Michael hesitates, Misty defiantly admits to the accusations, even calling Claudine a 'stupid bitch' in a final act of rebellion.

The chapter culminates in a horrifically violent scene in the kitchen, where Claudine executes Misty with a butcher's knife while Rebel restrains Michael. As Misty's blood covers him, Michael desperately tries to save her, but it's futile. Left alone with his sister's body, Michael finally reaches the devastating realization that this was never meant to be his family or his life, marking a profound shift in his understanding of his situation.

Rebel's methodical grooming and manipulation of Bonnie Rasmussen unfolds over the course of a year, beginning with his classic stranded motorist ploy to gain entry to her house. He carefully cultivated a relationship with the lonely widow through weekly visits, holiday gifts, and calculated displays of affection. His gifts included items stolen from previous victims, such as a heart locket torn from a screaming girl's neck, foreshadowing his sinister intentions.

The depth of Rebel's manipulation becomes clear as he describes fabricating an entire false persona for Bonnie's benefit, presenting himself as a younger man with a miner father and a creative younger sister. His patient cultivation of trust allowed him such intimate access to her home that she no longer questioned his unannounced visits, even keeping his favorite foods on hand. The extent of her trust is evident when she reacts to his unexpected appearance with warmth rather than fear, concerned only about being seen in casual clothes.

The narrative culminates in a horrifying revelation of Rebel's true intentions as he follows Bonnie to her bedroom while she changes clothes. When confronted about his inappropriate behavior, Rebel's facade crumbles to reveal his predatory nature. He mockingly references their year-long friendship before sexually assaulting her, calling her his 'masterpiece' and the product of his patient planning. The scene reaches its disturbing climax as Michael appears in the doorway just as Bonnie calls out his name - the name Rebel had been using in his deception - revealing the calculated nature of the entire scenario and its connection to Michael's identity.

Michael spends hours scrubbing Misty Dawn's blood from the kitchen floor, the metallic scent refusing to fade despite his desperate efforts. Rather than consigning her body to the basement's horrors, he makes the difficult decision to bury her himself. He carries her to their favorite hilltop overlooking the valley, wrapping her in his childhood blanket and marking her grave with a makeshift cross. The location holds special significance as it's where Michael had always imagined his own final resting place, providing Misty with a peaceful view of the sunrise.

Despite the tragedy, Rebel shows no remorse and immediately pressures Michael to maintain their routine of visiting The Dervish. During the car ride, Rebel reveals disturbing information about their family history, including that Grandpa Eugene had sexually abused Claudine as a child, suggesting this trauma might explain Claudine's violent tendencies and her targeting of specific types of victims. This revelation forces Michael to reconsider his understanding of Claudine, viewing her actions as stemming from deep-seated pain rather than pure malice.

At The Dervish, Michael has an emotional encounter with Alice, who gives him a hand-drawn comic book as a birthday present. Though he desperately wants to warn her about potential danger, his newfound understanding of the family's dysfunction and his own guilt over their acceptance of him creates a paralyzing conflict. The chapter ends with Michael at Misty's grave, examining Alice's gift - a sweet story of their budding romance told through drawings. The final image of a small inked heart serves as a poignant reminder of what Michael wants but feels he can never have, while Rebel's ominous mention of his own birthday surprise for Michael suggests more darkness to come.

Rebel's calculated manipulation of Lucy Liddle unfolds through flashbacks to their first meeting at a local grocery store. Despite her being a risky target due to her strong local connections and visibility in the community, Rebel pursued her systematically, beginning with sharing a joint in the Delta and progressing to after-hours record listening sessions at The Dervish. His apparent romantic interest in Lucy is revealed to be purely tactical, as he internally admits to wanting to twist her head off during their music sessions, only restraining himself because of Michael's involvement in his larger plan.

Rebel's true scheme becomes clear as he orchestrates the introduction of Alice into their circle, deliberately manipulating Lucy to introduce him to her best friend. He then carefully plants the idea of setting up Michael with Alice, presenting his brother as 'different' and in need of friendship. This revelation recontextualizes all of Rebel's previous encouragement of Michael's relationship with Alice as part of a calculated plan, rather than genuine brotherly support.

The narrative culminates in Rebel arriving at Lucy and Alice's apartment under the pretense of taking them to Michael's surprise birthday party. The scene is heavy with dramatic irony as Lucy fusses over making a good impression on Rebel's mother, while Alice nervously changes her outfit to better match Michael's style. The chapter ends ominously with Alice producing a bottle of red wine, and Rebel's sinister response about a party needing 'a splash of red,' suggesting violent intentions behind the facade of celebration.

Michael returns to the farmhouse at dusk after visiting Misty Dawn's grave, drawn by an instinctive feeling of significance. He finds Wade working on his truck outside, creating a momentarily normal father-son moment before being directed inside where Claudine awaits. Upon entering the darkened house, Michael discovers what appears to be a birthday celebration, complete with a cake adorned with sparklers, but the scene quickly turns sinister as he realizes Lucy is bound to a chair in the shadows.

Rebel reveals his elaborate plan, explaining that this is his way of forcing Michael to prove his loyalty to the family after suspecting his desires to leave. Wade brings in a bound and gagged Alice, completing Rebel's twisted 'gift' - Michael must kill Lucy to save Alice's life, with the threat that refusing will result in both girls' deaths and Alice being subjected to torture beforehand. The scene becomes a horrific test of Michael's commitment to the family, with Rebel manipulating him through threats against Alice while referencing Michael's childhood abandonment and adoption.

Under extreme duress, Michael ultimately commits the murder, stabbing Lucy multiple times until she dies while Alice is forced to watch. After the killing, Wade and Claudine take Alice to the basement while Rebel presents Michael with his real birthday present - a map to the green-shuttered house and the keys to the Delta. The chapter ends with this ominous gift, suggesting a deeper connection between the house's occupant and Michael's past, while Alice remains imprisoned in the basement.

Michael drives to the green-shuttered house using the map Rebel provided, leaving behind Lucy's corpse and Alice imprisoned in the basement. Upon arrival, he finds the house exactly as they left it after abducting its owner, with lights still burning inside. Initially hesitant to enter, Michael eventually ventures in, discovering a home filled with family photographs and personal touches that begin to trigger unsettling feelings of familiarity.

As Michael explores the house, he finds a series of family photos that tell a devastating story - a happy family of four that gradually becomes incomplete when the young son vanishes from the pictures. The most shocking revelation comes when he discovers recent photos of Alice in one of the bedrooms, along with pictures of her with Lucy. The pieces start falling into place as he recognizes the golden 'M' necklace worn by the woman they murdered - the same necklace he later gave to Misty Dawn - and realizes that the woman was his birth mother.

Rebel's intricate web of manipulation unravels before Michael's eyes as he understands that Alice is his biological sister, and that Rebel orchestrated everything - from their meeting at The Dervish to their budding romance - as part of his twisted plan. The realization that he not only murdered his own mother but was manipulated into developing romantic feelings for his sister causes Michael to physically break down, vomiting in the front yard. The chapter ends with Michael discovering an axe in the yard and deciding to use it against the Morrows, his adopted family, now viewing himself as immune to their influence and cleansed by hatred.

Devastated by the realization that he murdered his own birth mother, Michael returns to the farmhouse with an axe, ready to confront his adoptive parents. In their bedroom, he hesitates momentarily over Wade's relative innocence before violently killing him with the axe. Claudine awakens and begs for mercy, revealing a previously unseen emotional depth, but Michael ultimately kills her as well, though not without expressing remorse.

Michael then proceeds to the storm cellar to rescue Alice, finding her bound but largely unharmed. His attempt to free her and explain himself is interrupted by Rebel's arrival, who reveals the full scope of his revenge plot. Rebel explains that Lauralynn wasn't sent to North Carolina as they believed, but was killed by Claudine, and Michael's killing of her pet rabbit had inadvertently led to her death. This revelation, combined with Rebel's manipulation of Michael into killing his birth mother and developing feelings for his sister Alice, completes Rebel's elaborate revenge scheme.

The confrontation turns violent when Rebel stabs Alice, leading to a brutal fight between the brothers. Michael ultimately kills Rebel with a kitchen knife, marking the end of his false family. However, when Michael pursues a fleeing Alice to help her, she turns his attempts at explanation against him. Despite his revelation that he is her brother, Alice stabs Michael with Rebel's switchblade and attempts to escape. The chapter ends with Michael dying in the road, realizing too late that he still has the car keys in his pocket as Alice reaches the useless vehicle.

In his final moments, Michael reflects on the life he could have had with his real family, imagining normal childhood experiences with Alice as his sister. These dying thoughts provide a poignant contrast to the violent reality of their actual reunion, highlighting the tragedy of lives destroyed by the Morrows' evil.