Incidents Around the House: A Novel

A young child, whose name and gender remain unknown, follows a familiar bedtime routine with their parents, referred to as 'Mommy' and 'Daddo.' What begins as warm domesticity—traditional farewells and tucking in—quickly shifts into something more sinister after the parents leave the room.

From the child's closet emerges an entity known as 'Other Mommy.' Most disturbing is the child's reaction to this supernatural presence: rather than fear, they express excitement and happiness at seeing this mysterious figure again, suggesting this is a regular occurrence that the child has normalized.

The chapter's brevity and matter-of-fact delivery through a child's perspective make its horror more impactful. The contrast between normal bedtime routine and the appearance of 'Other Mommy' creates immediate dread, particularly as the child seems unaware of any danger, viewing this entity as a welcome visitor rather than a threat.

A tense breakfast scene between Bela and Mommy reveals the child narrator's name for the first time. The interaction shows signs of strain in their relationship, with Mommy repeatedly urging Bela to eat her oatmeal while rushing to leave for work. Their conversation touches on financial struggles, with Mommy making cryptic comments about 'little money' that suggests the family's economic situation isn't ideal.

The domestic dynamic of the household becomes clearer as we learn about established routines and past incidents. A previous episode where Daddo's breakfast led to Bela getting sick resulted in Mommy taking sole responsibility for breakfast duties, while Daddo handles the dishes. The scene also reveals that Daddo works consistently while Mommy's schedule is irregular, creating a sense of instability in the household routine.

As Mommy leaves for work, Bela's attention turns to deeper, more existential questions about recycling and transformation, wondering if recycled items go to 'a better place.' This philosophical musing from a child's perspective takes on an ominous tone when connected to Bela's thoughts about carnations. The chapter concludes with Bela returning to their room, where Other Mommy is already waiting outside the closet. The entity's request to 'go into your heart' adds a disturbing new dimension to their relationship, suggesting an escalation from their previous nighttime encounters.

Bela's first mention of Other Mommy to her parents occurred during what seemed like a routine bedtime, when she accidentally exposed the supernatural entity's existence by saying goodnight twice. This slip prompted questions from Mommy about who she was addressing, with the parents' initial reaction being one of amusement as they treated it as a child's imagination at play. Daddo even made spooky movie sounds in response to what he perceived as harmless make-believe.

The scene takes on a more ominous tone when Mommy's demeanor shifts from playful to concerned, her smile fading as she directly questions Bela about Other Mommy's identity. Bela, feeling embarrassed by the attention, deflects the question by claiming tiredness. This interaction suggests an early missed opportunity for the parents to recognize the supernatural presence in their home, while also highlighting Bela's instinctive reluctance to share more details about her mysterious companion.

After the parents depart, with Mommy casting one final concerned glance through the door crack, Other Mommy emerges from her hiding place between the bed and wall. The entity's grunting sound as she rises from her crouched position confirms she was physically present during the conversation, adding a disturbing layer to the previous bedtime interactions and suggesting she has been a silent observer of family moments for some time.

Daddo attempts to engage with Bela after Mommy leaves for work, concerned about her tendency to play alone in her room. The interaction becomes tense when Other Mommy retreats to Bela's connected bathroom, and Daddo notices a foul smell in the room. Bela becomes anxious as Daddo investigates the bathroom, though he apparently doesn't encounter Other Mommy despite entering the space.

The chapter reveals significant changes in Bela's behavior patterns, particularly her withdrawal from outdoor activities. Through Daddo's observations, we learn that Bela used to play frequently on the front lawn, visible through the den window, but has since retreated indoors. This behavioral shift appears connected to Other Mommy's increasingly persistent presence, as Bela fears leaving the entity unsupervised with her father.

The most disturbing development is the revelation that Other Mommy's appearances have become more frequent and invasive. No longer confined to nighttime closet appearances, she now emerges before Bela even gets out of bed in the morning. The chapter ends with Bela following Daddo downstairs to work on a Michigan puzzle, all while aware of Other Mommy watching from above. The entity's constant surveillance has become a source of obvious distress for Bela, who feels perpetually observed.

Bela and Daddo share quiet time in his den, where she works on a puzzle while he handles business calls. Their interaction reveals a warm father-daughter relationship, with Daddo encouraging Bela through both the puzzle and a discussion about overcoming stage fright. The conversation showcases Daddo's attempts to build Bela's confidence while also providing glimpses into the family's changing dynamics, particularly noting how Mommy's presence at home has diminished compared to earlier times.

The peaceful scene is repeatedly interrupted by ominous creaking sounds from above, which only Bela notices. Other Mommy's presence becomes increasingly intrusive as Bela observes an eye-shaped hole in the ceiling, suggesting the entity is watching their father-daughter interaction. The progression of Other Mommy's behavior is revealed through Bela's thoughts - from initially appearing only at night to now manifesting during daylight hours, becoming more vocal, and making requests.

The chapter culminates in a tense confrontation in Bela's bedroom, where she discovers Other Mommy sitting on her bed, notably described with disturbing physical details like dark hair on the backs of her arms. Other Mommy once again makes her unsettling request to 'go into your heart,' which Bela refuses, connecting the request to warnings from school about inappropriate touching. The scene ends with Bela fleeing back to Daddo's presence, suggesting movie watching as a way to stay close to her father's protection while avoiding Other Mommy's increasingly aggressive advances.

Bela and Daddo continue their movie marathon into the evening, watching what Daddo calls 'easy movies' - romantic comedies that contrast sharply with the horror films her parents usually watch at night. Bela recalls how Other Mommy used to cover her ears during these scarier films when she was younger, revealing another layer of the entity's previous interactions with her. The domestic scene is interrupted when Daddo thinks he hears Mommy returning home, leading them to investigate.

A tense moment unfolds as Bela and Daddo search the house, with Bela glimpsing what appears to be Other Mommy sitting at the dining room table - marking the first instance of the entity venturing downstairs. This alarming development is interrupted by Mommy's actual arrival home, who appears somewhat intoxicated and dismissive of Daddo's affection. The family dynamic becomes clearer as Mommy and Daddo engage in familiar banter about drinks and bedtime, though there's an underlying tension in their interactions.

The chapter culminates in another confrontation between Bela and Other Mommy in her bedroom. While Bela's parents share an intimate moment downstairs, she finds Other Mommy waiting on her bed, once again asking the dreaded question about going into her heart. Bela's response shows her growing resistance to the entity, as she firmly says no and retreats to the bathroom, deliberately making noise as instructed by her mother to drown out Other Mommy's presence. The contrast between the romantic atmosphere downstairs and the horror unfolding in Bela's room heightens the chapter's tension.

An intimate but tense bedside scene unfolds between Mommy and Bela, where Bela notices her mother smells different - like another person. This observation clearly disturbs Mommy, who appears to be wrestling with guilt over some unnamed transgression. Her emotional state, combined with hints about working late and the smell of alcohol, suggests she may be involved in an affair or similar compromising situation.

While Bela pretends to sleep, she witnesses her mother's emotional breakdown as Mommy talks to herself about risking her family and acknowledging Daddo as a good man. The scene takes an even darker turn when Other Mommy emerges from the closet and positions herself in the corner where the walls meet the ceiling. This leads to a tense moment where Mommy senses something watching her and investigates with her phone's flashlight, though she's unable to definitively spot Other Mommy.

The chapter provides crucial insight into Bela's evolving relationship with Other Mommy through her internal monologue. She reveals that their relationship began as a seemingly innocent friendship, with Other Mommy combing her hair, holding her, and supposedly ensuring good dreams. However, the entity's persistent requests to 'go into her heart' have transformed their dynamic into something more sinister, with Bela revealing that Other Mommy once explained this would involve them switching places. The chapter concludes with Bela choosing not to alert her parents to Other Mommy's presence, instead silently wishing for their laughter to continue forever, highlighting her growing protectiveness of her parents' happiness despite her own fears.

At Chaps Park, Bela and Deb swing together while their mothers chat nearby, the scene initially appearing normal as the girls discuss recent events like potential weapons checks at school. However, the conversation takes a dark turn when Bela begins questioning Deb about how she would help protect her from a woman living in her closet, gradually revealing details about Other Mommy to her friend.

As Bela's questioning becomes more intense and frightening, she follows a distressed Deb to the jungle gym, continuing to press her about various ways to deal with the closet-dwelling woman. The conversation becomes increasingly disturbing as Bela describes scenarios like waking up with Other Mommy in her bed and having eyes on the bottom of her face, causing Deb to retreat into one of the wooden rooms of the playground structure.

The chapter reaches its climax with a terrifying revelation - when Bela follows Deb into the wooden room of the jungle gym, she discovers Other Mommy has followed them to the park, marking the entity's first appearance outside the house. The scene ends with Bela falling down the slide in her attempt to escape, surrounded by concerned adults while she spots Other Mommy's hairy fingers curling around the entrance of the wooden room. This development represents a frightening escalation in Other Mommy's behavior, as she's now able to manifest beyond the confines of Bela's home.

The kitchen table becomes the setting for a tense family discussion as Mommy recounts Bela's fall to Daddo, emphasizing how severely she hit her head and how the incident terrified everyone present, including Deb and Carly. The gravity of the situation becomes clear through Mommy's continued worried tone and the parents' discussion about seeking medical attention.

The scene reveals a tender moment between Bela and Daddo as he attempts to comfort her, sharing his own childhood injury story about falling from parallel bars after being pushed by Uncle Klay. This interaction showcases Daddo's efforts to normalize the accident while simultaneously acknowledging its seriousness, creating a contrast with Mommy's more anxious response to the situation.

As the family prepares to take Bela to Dr. Smith, the supernatural tension persists with the sound of creaking from upstairs, indicating Other Mommy's continued presence despite the family crisis. Bela's internal monologue reveals her contemplation of saying 'yes' to Other Mommy's previous requests, wondering if acquiescence might stop the entity's increasingly threatening behavior. The chapter ends with a chilling double meaning in Daddo's innocent comment about listening to Bela's head and heart, unknowingly echoing Other Mommy's persistent desire to 'go into' Bela's heart.

Bela and her parents visit Dr. Smith for a medical examination after her fall at the playground. The familiar setting of the doctor's office, with its distinctive duck and goose wallpaper, provides the backdrop for a tense examination as Dr. Smith probes into the circumstances of Bela's fall. The doctor's demeanor shifts from his usual cartoonish appearance to a more serious tone as he focuses on understanding the true nature of the incident.

The examination becomes increasingly fraught with tension as Dr. Smith specifically questions whether Bela experienced any disorientation or saw anything strange before her fall. This line of questioning creates visible anxiety in Mommy, who insists she was watching Bela the whole time - though Bela internally acknowledges this as untrue, remembering how her mother was distracted talking to Carly. The dynamic between the parents becomes evident as Daddo tries to mediate Mommy's defensive responses to Dr. Smith's inquiries.

The chapter reaches its climax when Bela unexpectedly mentions Other Mommy in response to what scared her at the playground. This revelation startles her parents, who note she hasn't mentioned this name in years. Dr. Smith's particular interest in the supernatural aspect of the incident becomes clear as he notes Bela's typically sure-footed nature, suggesting there must be more to her fall than simple accident. The chapter concludes with an unsettling observation from Dr. Smith about the predatory nature of the geese in his wallpaper pattern, creating a parallel to Other Mommy's threatening presence.

Mommy and Daddo host one of their regular parties, with Kelvin babysitting Bela. The evening begins with early guests Amanda and Dan discussing Bela's playground incident, with Mommy revealing disturbing details about the unnatural grunting sound she heard during Bela's fall. The conversation highlights the growing tension between Mommy's concern and Daddo's attempts to downplay the incident.

A significant development occurs when Daddo introduces Bela to Lois Anthony, a woman who works with 'Sensitives' and attempts to assess Bela's supernatural connections through physical contact. Lois's inability to sense anything from Bela, despite her usual accuracy, creates an intriguing mystery. Meanwhile, Bela observes a concerning interaction between Mommy and an unnamed man in the foyer, suggesting possible infidelity.

The chapter reaches its climax during a ghost story being told at the party, when Marsha suddenly screams after seeing what she describes as a tall, dark blue, hairy monster. While the other adults dismiss her reaction as the result of intoxication, Bela reveals to the group that what Marsha saw was actually Other Mommy - marking the first time Other Mommy has been witnessed by another adult and confirming her ability to manifest beyond Bela's immediate vicinity.

Daddo sits with a seemingly sleeping Bela in her room, processing the evening's events while under the influence of marijuana. Marsha's sighting of Other Mommy at the party weighs heavily on his mind as he engages in an intimate monologue about life, death, and parenthood, frequently referencing his high school classmate Quinn Dole who died young. His ruminations reveal both his contentment and sadness with adult life, while also showing concern about Marsha's supernatural encounter and Mommy's conspicuous absence.

The chapter takes a darker turn when Daddo, believing Bela asleep, directly confronts whatever might be in her closet, demanding it leave their happy home. This confrontation leads to the closet doors creaking open mysteriously, prompting Daddo to investigate with his phone's flashlight. Though he initially dismisses the movement as a loose hinge and fixes it, his lingering presence and subsequent philosophical discussion about fear suggests he suspects there's more to the situation than mechanical issues.

The chapter concludes with Daddo deciding to sleep in Bela's room, using a chair to barricade the closet doors. As he falls into an alcohol-induced sleep, Bela remains awake, contemplating Other Mommy's earlier revelations about reincarnation and body switching. Her internal monologue reveals crucial information about Other Mommy's true intentions - that their relationship began as friendship but has evolved into a proposed trade where Other Mommy would take Bela's body while Bela would go to where Other Mommy comes from. The chapter ends with Bela desperately pleading for Other Mommy to stay away while questioning her memories of their earlier friendship.

Mommy returns home wearing the same clothes from the previous night, having apparently spent time at Marsha's house following her supernatural encounter. The kitchen scene reveals significant household tensions as Mommy, clearly hungover, attempts to maintain normalcy while processing the events of the party, particularly the séance-like turn the evening took. Her delayed return and Daddo's obvious disappointment when she tries to embrace him suggest growing strain in their relationship.

The chapter's pivotal moment comes when Mommy directly confronts Bela about Other Mommy, spurred by texts she's received about Marsha's frightening experience. Bela provides the most detailed physical description of Other Mommy yet, describing an entity that can change size, sometimes appearing larger than Daddo, with eyes that move around its face, and a tendency to slide across the floor. This revelation demonstrates the increasingly impossible-to-ignore nature of Other Mommy's presence in their lives.

The tension is broken by Daddo's rushed entrance into the kitchen, clearly concerned about finding Bela alone. The family's attempt to return to normalcy manifests in discussion of their planned zoo trip, which both parents had forgotten. Bela's specific request for a stuffed vulture, accompanied by her explanation that vultures don't kill but eat what's already dead, takes on an ominous tone given the supernatural context. The chapter ends with Mommy's unfinished question about whether Other Mommy speaks to Bela, suggesting she's beginning to take the entity's existence more seriously.

The family's planned zoo visit serves as an attempt to restore normalcy after the party's supernatural revelations. Through Bela's internal monologue about her former teacher Mr. Jeffery's wisdom regarding places having different meanings for different people, we learn that the zoo traditionally serves as a space for her parents to have important conversations. However, their visit to the reptile house reveals escalating tensions between Mommy and Daddo, particularly regarding Mommy's suspicious absence the previous night, as Bela notices discrepancies in her mother's story about staying at Marsha's house.

Their progress through the zoo is interrupted by an unexpected encounter with Lois Anthony, who mentions a Friday group meeting at Sneakers to discuss the occult. This revelation sparks another argument between the parents, with Mommy dismissing such beliefs as "mayonnaise brain" while Daddo expresses interest in exploring supernatural possibilities. Their disagreement highlights a growing divide in how they're choosing to address the supernatural occurrences in their home.

The chapter reaches its climax in the butterfly house when Bela, momentarily separated from her arguing parents, encounters what appears to be Other Mommy manifesting among the foliage. The terrifying experience of seeing a blue eye blinking between the leaves sends Bela fleeing in panic, disregarding the butterfly house's double-door system. The incident culminates in an emotional confrontation outside, with Mommy blaming people like Lois Anthony for encouraging supernatural beliefs, while Daddo shows more concern for Bela's obvious terror. Mommy's declaration that "this stops now" suggests a coming conflict over how to address the Other Mommy situation.

Mommy takes decisive action by frantically emptying Bela's closet, determined to eliminate any potential hiding places for Other Mommy after the zoo encounter. Her aggressive cleaning and reorganizing comes from a place of both anger and protective instinct, though she explicitly forbids any discussion about whether they believe Bela's claims about the entity. Daddo attempts to provide a more measured response, trying to reassure Bela that they believe her, but Mommy shuts down this line of conversation immediately.

The dismantling of Bela's room reveals an interesting perspective shift, as the once seemingly endless closet now appears small and ordinary without its contents. Mommy extends her cleaning mission to the bathroom and under the bed, repeatedly emphasizing that she's eliminating all hiding places. She also implements new rules, including keeping Bela's bedroom door open at all times, suggesting a shift from dismissal to active intervention in the Other Mommy situation.

As Bela is ordered to take a nap in her newly reorganized room, the supernatural tension persists despite Mommy's efforts. The wind coming through the newly opened window seems to carry Other Mommy's familiar question about going into Bela's heart, while a pile of displaced clothes on the floor presents a new potential hiding place for the entity. The chapter ends with Bela drifting off to sleep, simultaneously comforted by her mother's intervention yet still aware of the persistent supernatural presence, suggesting that simply reorganizing physical space may not be enough to address the Other Mommy problem.

Mommy sits on Bela's bed, believing her daughter to be asleep, and delivers a devastating confession about her infidelity. In an extended monologue, she reveals that she has been unfaithful not just recently, but since before her marriage to Daddo and Bela's birth. Her confession paints a portrait of deep-seated discontent, as she struggles with the constraints of parenthood and marriage to someone she describes as 'too easy, too warm,' while expressing a desire for more turbulent, passionate experiences.

The confession takes an alarming turn when the voice speaking to Bela shifts subtly from Mommy's personal revelations to discussions of reincarnation and requests to 'let me in,' revealing that Other Mommy has been impersonating Mommy during the conversation. The deception is exposed when the real Mommy appears in the doorway, discovering both Bela and Other Mommy in the room. This marks the first time Mommy directly witnesses Other Mommy's presence, confirming the supernatural threat that has been plaguing her daughter.

The chapter culminates in a frantic escape as Mommy, now faced with undeniable proof of Other Mommy's existence, flees the house with Bela. Their desperate flight through the house and onto the front lawn represents a critical turning point in the story, as Mommy can no longer deny or dismiss the supernatural entity's presence. The chapter ends with mother and daughter standing on their front lawn, both trembling as they stare up at Bela's bedroom window, with Mommy finally acknowledging Other Mommy's reality with a shaken 'Okay.'

Mommy and Bela arrive at Amanda and Dan's house seeking refuge, the atmosphere thick with tension and discomfort. Dan repeatedly assures them that Daddo is on his way, though Bela expresses deep concern about him stopping at their house first. The hosts' discomfort with the situation is palpable, as they struggle to reconcile their friends' frightening claims with their ordinary suburban life, all while their baby sleeps nearby in a carriage.

Mommy, still visibly shaken from her encounter, attempts to explain what she saw to Amanda and Dan, insisting that the entity 'wasn't a woman.' Her agitated state and constant pacing reveal the profound impact of finally witnessing what Bela has been experiencing all along. The conversation becomes more serious when Daddo arrives, having searched their house and found nothing matching Mommy's description, leading to discussions about involving the police.

The chapter culminates in a series of revelations as Daddo attempts to determine if there might be a more mundane explanation, questioning Bela about potential threats from adults in her life. Bela's inability or unwillingness to remember when she first saw Other Mommy adds another layer of mystery to the situation. The chapter ends with the chilling realization that Other Mommy appears to be following Bela, prompting Amanda and Dan to activate their home security system as the family prepares for an uncertain night ahead.

A tense night unfolds at Amanda and Dan's house as most of the adults succumb to exhaustion while Bela remains vigilantly awake. Mommy sleeps fully clothed on the couch, Dan dozes in a chair under a blanket, and Amanda rests on another couch near her baby's crib, while Daddo's prolonged absence at the police station creates additional anxiety. Using Mommy's phone, Bela attempts to maintain contact with her father, who sends reassuring but vague messages about filing a police report.

The peaceful scene is repeatedly disrupted by an unsettling sound - a preparatory breath, as if someone is about to speak. Bela methodically checks each sleeping person, confirming that none of them are the source of this mysterious sound. The tension escalates when Dan awakens and becomes aware of the strange presence, asking 'Who's there?' while staring at the living room entrance, marking the first time another adult has independently noticed potential supernatural activity without prior suggestion.

The chapter reaches its climax as both Dan and Amanda become alert to the unusual atmosphere, with Dan specifically noting the breathing sound that Bela had been hearing. The tension breaks only when Amanda suggests her own snoring as a rational explanation, though the relief is short-lived. Daddo's return, announced via text message and followed by a knock at the door, startles everyone, highlighting the heightened state of anxiety permeating the household. The apparent manifestation of Other Mommy in Amanda and Dan's home suggests the entity's reach continues to expand beyond its original confines.

Daddo attempts to comfort Bela through a philosophical discussion about the nature of fear and emotions. He suggests that what people call 'fear' actually encompasses many different emotional experiences, using examples from Bela's life to illustrate how feelings that seem similar on the surface can be quite different. This conversation reveals Daddo's attempt to process the supernatural events through a rational lens while still validating Bela's experiences.

The peaceful moment is shattered when Dan, who had gone upstairs, returns in a state of alarm after believing he saw Mommy (Ursula) in his bedroom when she was actually outside on the phone. This incident, combined with their general unease about the situation and concern for their baby's safety, leads Amanda and Dan to ask the family to leave their house. The request creates significant tension, with Mommy becoming angry at their friends' rejection during this crisis.

Forced to seek new shelter, Mommy arranges for the family to stay at her mother's house. As they drive away from Amanda and Dan's home, the tension briefly breaks when they encounter a deer in the headlights, leading to a moment of shared laughter. However, the appearance of a second deer immediately after creates an ominous atmosphere, suggesting that their supernatural troubles are far from over as they head toward their grandmother's house.

The family seeks refuge at Grandma Ruth's small home after their hasty departure from Amanda and Dan's house, maintaining the pretense that their arrival is due to a power outage at their house. The intimate setting of Grandma's kitchen becomes the stage for an increasingly tense scene as the adults attempt to maintain their fabricated story while Grandma Ruth's perceptive questioning gradually exposes the holes in their explanation. The cramped quarters and late hour amplify the discomfort as both Mommy and Daddo struggle to maintain consistency in their story about discovering the power outage.

Grandma Ruth's gentle but persistent interrogation reveals her growing concern, particularly when she notices unusual behavior patterns from her daughter and son-in-law, such as their simultaneous contradictory responses and their unprecedented protective attitude toward Bela. During a brief moment alone with Bela, Grandma manages to extract a small confession about someone 'big as Daddo' who has been bothering her, demonstrating her intuitive understanding that something more serious than a power outage has driven her family to seek shelter.

The chapter concludes with the family's decision to sleep in Grandma's living room rather than upstairs, ostensibly to stay together after being 'rattled,' but clearly motivated by their fear of leaving Grandma alone on the ground floor. As the adults quickly succumb to exhaustion, Bela remains awake with only Milky, Grandma's small white dog, for company. The chapter ends with a disturbing dream sequence where Milky transforms into a ceiling-height creature with hairy arms, suggesting Other Mommy's influence has followed them to this new location.

Bela pretends to sleep while overhearing an intense conversation between her parents in Grandma Ruth's kitchen. Mommy, still deeply shaken by her encounter with Other Mommy, insists they can never return to their house, while Daddo grapples with the practical implications of abandoning their home. Their discussion reveals the severity of their situation, with Mommy even suggesting burning down the house to prevent anyone from entering it again, while Daddo proposes alternative solutions like buying a camper and going on a road trip.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Grandma Ruth reveals she has been listening, and forcefully interjects with her own perspective on the situation. She confronts her daughter and son-in-law about their handling of the crisis, particularly emphasizing how their fear must be affecting Bela. Grandma Ruth's practical approach leads her to suggest something the parents hadn't considered - the need for an exorcist, asserting that if the entity is real, they need someone who understands how to deal with such supernatural threats.

In a pivotal scene, Grandma Ruth initiates a direct conversation with Bela, forcing the family to openly discuss Other Mommy for the first time. Through her gentle but persistent questioning, several shocking revelations emerge: Bela has encountered Other Mommy potentially hundreds of times, the entity specifically instructed Bela to call her 'Other Mommy,' and most disturbingly, repeatedly asked to 'go into' Bela's heart. The chapter concludes with Grandma Ruth suggesting that if the entity isn't a person in costume, the police won't be able to help, and they need to seek expert assistance.

Daddo takes Bela for a walk among the Loblolly Pines behind Grandma Ruth's property while Mommy makes phone calls in the front yard. During their walk, Daddo attempts to have a serious conversation with Bela about Other Mommy, particularly focusing on the entity's requests to 'go into her heart.' The discussion reveals new details about Other Mommy's evolution - how she initially didn't speak and only made faces from the closet, leading Bela to believe they were friends before the entity began emerging and making physical contact.

The conversation becomes increasingly tense as Bela discloses that she had previously held hands with Other Mommy and experienced physical contact when the entity's face touched hers while floating above her bed. Daddo, visibly distressed by these revelations, tries to establish clear boundaries about physical contact and consent, emphasizing that no one - supernatural or otherwise - should touch her or attempt to 'go into her heart.' His protective instincts clash with his struggle to reconcile the various interpretations of Other Mommy's nature, from Grandma Ruth's theory about costumed intruders to Mommy's belief in monsters.

The chapter takes a dramatic turn when Grandma Ruth interrupts their walk with the news that Mommy has unexpectedly left in the car to 'see a friend.' This abandonment creates immediate tension as Bela expresses her fear that Other Mommy has followed them to Grandma's property. The situation becomes more urgent when Bela reveals that Other Mommy's presence is now constant and that the entity is 'getting closer,' wanting an answer about going into Bela's heart. Despite Daddo's clear instructions about saying no, the chapter ends with Bela's internal conflict, acknowledging that despite the warnings, she remains uncertain about how to answer Other Mommy's request, still influenced by memories of their former friendship.

Tension escalates as Daddo stands at the bedroom window watching Grandma Ruth investigate the Loblolly Pines behind her property, while Mommy's unexpected departure from the house leaves him unable to reach her by phone. His call to police about a potential intruder in the woods leads to an uncomfortable moment when Bela provides the now-familiar detail about dark hair on the arms, causing visible distress to Daddo who seems to hope for a more conventional explanation.

The situation intensifies when Milky begins investigating something in Grandma's bedroom closet, causing Bela to scream in fear. Daddo immediately rushes her from the room, demonstrating the heightened state of anxiety that has overtaken the family. His protective instincts clash with Grandma Ruth's determination as she insists on investigating her bedroom despite Daddo's warnings, declaring that nobody will take over her house.

The chapter concludes with a pivotal moment as Grandma Ruth returns from checking her bedroom with Milky, reporting no signs of supernatural presence. When Daddo inquires about any unusual smells - a detail that connects to previous encounters with Other Mommy - Grandma's disturbed reaction suggests she's beginning to take the supernatural threat more seriously. Her final statement about seeking help from someone more qualified than the police marks a significant shift in the family's approach to their crisis, advocating for supernatural expertise over conventional law enforcement.

Hours pass at the Big Boy restaurant as the family processes the aftermath of the police search at Grandma Ruth's property. Daddo reports that the investigation of both the house and the Loblolly Pines yielded no signs of intruders, highlighting the futility of conventional law enforcement in addressing their supernatural crisis. The extended wait creates an atmosphere of tension and uncertainty, with both Daddo and Grandma Ruth watching Bela closely, unable to maintain any pretense of normalcy.

The situation shifts when Lois Anthony arrives at the restaurant, marking a transition from law enforcement intervention to supernatural expertise. Her questioning of Bela reveals crucial new information about Other Mommy's intentions, particularly regarding the true nature of the entity's request to 'go into Bela's heart.' Through careful questioning, Lois helps the family understand that Other Mommy's goal is possession - a supernatural exchange where Bela would be sent to wherever Other Mommy originates from, while the entity would take possession of Bela's body.

The revelation about possession causes immediate distress, especially for Daddo who struggles to accept this supernatural interpretation. Lois's explanation of why she couldn't sense any sensitivity in Bela during their previous encounter - because Other Mommy is 'no ghost' - adds a new layer of threat to their situation. The chapter concludes with Lois and Grandma Ruth forming an alliance around a direct confrontational approach, planning to meet Other Mommy and demand she stay away. While Daddo expresses uncertainty about this plan, Grandma Ruth's enthusiastic support suggests a shift in how the family will address the supernatural threat moving forward.

The family takes refuge in a second-floor motel room, unable to return to either their house or Grandma Ruth's after Lois Anthony's revelations about Other Mommy's true intentions. Mommy remains conspicuously absent, not answering Daddo's calls, which creates additional tension as the family processes her abandonment after witnessing Other Mommy firsthand. Lois Anthony arranges for a gathering at their house the following afternoon, suggesting a coordinated effort to confront the supernatural threat.

The motel scene reveals deeper family dynamics as Grandma Ruth reminisces about her honeymoon with Grandpa Bruce in the Upper Peninsula, leading to pointed observations about how raising Ursula (Mommy) somewhere more grounded might have made a difference. After a private conversation with Lois on the balcony, Grandma Ruth returns alone, indicating that Lois has left to prepare her house for tomorrow's confrontation. The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as Bela questions Daddo about whether some problems remain unsolvable, revealing her growing understanding of their predicament's severity.

Grandma Ruth's subsequent interrogation of Bela about Other Mommy's potential for violence marks a significant shift in how the adults are approaching the threat. Her persistent questioning about whether Other Mommy has ever hurt or threatened anyone reveals both her practical approach to the situation and her growing concern about involving others in their supernatural crisis. The chapter concludes with Grandma Ruth taking the first watch while characterizing their night in the motel as a 'dress rehearsal' for tomorrow's confrontation, demonstrating her determination to face the entity head-on despite the obvious risks.

The family arrives at Lois Anthony's house for the promised gathering, where she and her similarly-dressed friends attempt to conduct a spiritual intervention. The group, consisting of six individuals including Kyle, Mary, Adina, Duane, Ashley of the Moon, and Maxine, arranges themselves in a circle with various spiritual communication tools - crystals, an old telephone, a microphone, and paper. The session begins with Lois explaining the significance of different colored candles meant to thin the veil between worlds and communicate with Other Mommy.

The intervention quickly becomes chaotic when the group realizes they may not be dealing with a deceased spirit, leading to heated arguments about the nature of Other Mommy and the potential dangers of making contact. Kyle, particularly troubled by the situation, claims to receive a response from Other Mommy during the group meditation and approaches Bela to whisper that 'She gave you a present.' The session deteriorates further when Kyle deliberately blows out the ritual candles, causing discord among the participants.

The chapter takes a dark turn with Mommy's unexpected arrival at Lois's house, bringing news that Frank Doherty is dead, found in a closet 'like he'd slept there.' This revelation, combined with Kyle's disturbing message and behavior, leads Bela to question whether Other Mommy might have hurt someone. The chapter concludes with both Bela and Mommy reaching the same terrifying conclusion - that Other Mommy may be capable of violence, marking a significant shift in their understanding of the entity's nature.

Frank Doherty's death and the chaotic spiritual intervention leave the family driving aimlessly through the night, their options for safe shelter rapidly diminishing. Mommy alternates between crying and silence as she processes Frank's death, while Daddo voices unprecedented uncertainty about their circumstances. The family debates their limited options, as neither their house, Grandma Ruth's home, nor Amanda and Dan's residence feels safe anymore.

Tension builds in the car as Grandma Ruth insists on confronting the reality of their situation, leading to conflict with Mommy who repeatedly states that no one understands what she saw in Bela's room. Daddo expresses practical concerns about their dwindling resources and inability to work, while also referencing Lois's observation about the rarity of two people describing an entity the same way.

The chapter provides crucial backstory through Bela's memories of her first encounter with Other Mommy, revealing how the entity initially approached her with friendly overtures and manipulative tactics. The flashback shows Other Mommy's evolution from claiming all children have closet friends to making explicit threats about becoming 'mean' if denied access to Bela's heart. The chapter concludes with Mommy suggesting they stay at Frank's house, leading to a tense moment where Daddo pulls over before ultimately turning around to head there, despite his evident disapproval of the suggestion.

The family seeks refuge at Frank's house after the failed spiritual intervention and news of his death, where Mommy's familiarity with the layout suggests an intimate knowledge of the residence. The decision to stay there creates immediate tension between Daddo and Mommy, particularly when it becomes clear that Frank's house was where their marital infidelity played out. The family attempts to create a sense of security by turning on all the lights and discussing sleeping arrangements, though Daddo's concerns about potential visitors from Frank's family add to the mounting anxiety.

The chapter marks a significant development in understanding Other Mommy's presence, as Daddo directly asks Bela about her ability to sense the entity. Through this conversation, Bela articulates for the first time her various ways of detecting Other Mommy's presence - through creaks, smells, and an intuitive awareness. This revelation leads to a deeper exploration of the connection between Frank's death and Other Mommy, as Bela begins to suspect that the entity may have killed Frank as a 'present' for her, connecting to Kyle's cryptic message from the previous chapter.

The situation reaches a breaking point when Bela announces she believes Other Mommy is present in Frank's house. This declaration, combined with the mounting tension between her parents and Daddo's refusal to stay in the house where his wife conducted her affair, forces the family to flee once again. The chapter concludes with Bela's devastating internal monologue, revealing her fear that Other Mommy targeted her due to her lack of friends, and most frighteningly, her growing temptation to say 'yes' to Other Mommy's request to prevent further 'presents' and protect her family from dissolution.

The family sleeps in their car at a gas station between Chaps and East Kent, having exhausted all other options for shelter after their hasty departure from Frank's house. The makeshift refuge highlights their increasingly desperate situation, as Bela observes passing strangers who seem to sense their distress, reminding her of how Amanda and Dan had been eager for them to leave. While Daddo, Mommy, and Grandma Ruth sleep, Grandma Ruth's earlier admission of struggling to process these supernatural events, combined with her praise of Bela's bravery, reveals the toll this crisis is taking on the entire family.

Through Bela's extended reflection, we learn crucial details about her early interactions with Other Mommy, particularly the entity's gradual emergence from the closet and its calculated approach to building trust. The revelation that Other Mommy deliberately chose her own name by correcting Bela when she called out 'Mommy' demonstrates the entity's manipulative nature from the beginning. These memories reveal how Other Mommy methodically established a relationship with Bela, using familiar phrases like 'peekaboo' to create a false sense of comfort and connection.

The chapter culminates in a deeply troubling scene where Bela, while everyone else sleeps, witnesses what appears to be Other Mommy's face in the water on a stranger's car window at the gas station. This manifestation, combined with Bela's internal struggle over whether she and Other Mommy were ever truly friends, reveals her growing understanding of the entity's malevolent nature. Her reflection on how both she and Other Mommy share a desire to scream suggests a disturbing connection that continues to pull at her, even as she recognizes the fear that now dominates their relationship.

The family seeks help at a church, where Mommy and Grandma Ruth attempt to convince priests to intervene while Daddo and Bela wait outside. During their wait, Daddo engages in a profound conversation with Bela about the nature of experiencing unprecedented supernatural events, explaining how even adults with decades of life experience struggle to process what's happening. His attempt to comfort Bela includes asking her to stop using the name 'Other Mommy,' revealing the family's growing understanding of how the entity manipulated its way into their lives.

The church visit proves futile as the priests refuse to help, demanding proof and questioning the family's sanity through inquiries about drug use and religious zealotry. This rejection marks a significant turning point as Mommy declares they must kill the entity themselves, despite having no clear plan for how to accomplish this. The suggestion of violence against Other Mommy introduces a new dimension to their crisis, forcing Bela to contemplate the moral implications of harming something she once considered a friend.

The chapter concludes with a powerful symbolic moment as the priests walk away from the family, their departing footsteps representing the world's abandonment of their plight. This leaves the family to face their supernatural crisis alone, with Bela wrestling with the difficult choice between helping or hurting Other Mommy. The scene emphasizes their isolation and desperation, while also highlighting the growing realization that conventional institutions - both law enforcement and religious - cannot or will not help them.

The family spends a day desperately searching throughout Goblin for anyone who might help them deal with Other Mommy, visiting various locations including a Northwoods gift shop, a psychic on Neptune Street, and numerous 'headshops' and 'lounges,' but finding no one with useful knowledge about their supernatural predicament. The strain of their situation continues to wear on the family, with Mommy and Daddo's relationship becoming increasingly tense as night approaches.

As rain intensifies and they find themselves without shelter, Grandma Ruth's friend Evelyn offers them refuge in her enormous three-story house at the edge of Goblin. Upon arrival, they maintain the pretense of being simple travelers to avoid explaining their supernatural crisis, though Evelyn seems to sense something is amiss. The house's grandeur provides a temporary distraction from their troubles, with Evelyn showing them multiple bedrooms and sharing stories about her children, January and July, who once lived there.

The evening takes an unexpectedly pleasant turn as Evelyn serves frozen pizza and drinks, creating an atmosphere that allows the family to momentarily forget their troubles. The bourbon helps Mommy and Daddo reconnect, showing signs of their former closeness. However, the peaceful moment is interrupted when Bela spots what she believes is a woman in the hallway, though it turns out to be Evelyn. This false alarm, combined with Daddo's stories about childhood confusion over identifying parents in crowds, creates an underlying tension that reminds them of their ongoing crisis, even in this temporary haven.

At Evelyn's grand house, the family attempts to forget their troubles through an impromptu party fueled by freely flowing bourbon. Mommy and Daddo reconnect through dancing, even finding dark humor in their dire situation by joking about offering Other Mommy a drink. Their laughter, though tinged with hysteria, represents their first moment of genuine joy since the crisis began, while Grandma Ruth and Evelyn have a private conversation in the kitchen about the true nature of the family's troubles.

The evening's brief normalcy shatters when the child narrator, needing to use the bathroom after everyone has gone to bed intoxicated, encounters Other Mommy in the most intimate and terrifying way yet. Finding the entity sitting on the toilet beneath her, with its face held in its hands, marks a horrifying escalation in Other Mommy's violations of personal space and safety. The encounter triggers chaos as Evelyn discovers the entity in her home, her screams alerting the entire household.

The chapter culminates in a frantic escape from Evelyn's house as Other Mommy manifests in full terrifying form, spreading across the ceiling of the yellow bedroom before pursuing the family. Evelyn, her mind permanently altered by witnessing the supernatural entity, demands they leave and 'take it with them.' The family's desperate flight in the rain leads to Mommy's realization that they can't escape Other Mommy by running - the entity isn't tied to their house but to them, specifically to the child. This devastating understanding, combined with their failed attempts to find help or refuge, forces them to accept that returning home might be their only option.

The family returns home with a new strategy - fortifying their house with extensive security measures. Despite concerns about costs and work obligations, both Mommy and Daddo prioritize security over financial stability, installing alarms, cameras, motion detectors, and other surveillance equipment throughout every room. The installation draws attention from neighbors, who watch curiously as Chaps Security vehicles arrive and workers install equipment both inside and outside the house.

Beyond technology, their protective measures include the planned arrival of Cane Corso guard dogs, which Mommy emphasizes are not pets despite being 'kid-friendly.' The parents' heightened vigilance manifests in constant supervision of Bela, with both refusing to let her out of their sight. Meanwhile, Grandma Ruth's absence is explained by her need for a break, highlighting the toll recent events have taken on the entire family.

As alarms and motion sensors are installed on every closet, Bela recalls an earlier, chilling conversation with Other Mommy. The entity's statement about needing Bela's heart for 'a life' and her threatening shift from playing nice to potential aggression now takes on new urgency. With their technological defenses in place, Bela contemplates what will happen when Other Mommy next emerges to encounter their security system.

Two massive Cane Corso guard dogs, Kami and Kamael, arrive at the house with their trainers. The black dogs, both male with white patches on their chests, have been specifically scent-trained to accept Mommy, Daddo, and Bela while remaining vigilant against all other visitors. The trainers provide detailed instructions about the dogs' care, emphasizing repeatedly that they are working animals, not pets, and must not be given treats or human food.

The conversation takes a revealing turn when Mommy specifically inquires about the dogs' effectiveness against ghosts and entities already inside the house. This marks the first time the family has openly discussed their supernatural crisis with outsiders, though they stop short of fully explaining the situation. The trainers appear taken aback by these questions but assure the family that while the dogs are primarily trained to guard entry points and the first floor, they will respond to any disturbance anywhere in the house.

The chapter concludes with the trainers noting they've never seen a house as heavily fortified as this one, unaware of the true nature of what the family fears. Their final reassurance that the family shouldn't fear anything rings with dramatic irony, as both the readers and the family know that conventional security measures, no matter how extensive, may prove ineffective against Other Mommy's supernatural presence. Mommy's glance toward the ceiling cameras and comment about hoping they've done enough reveals her continued anxiety despite these additional precautions.

The family settles into their new reality behind fortified walls and watchful guard dogs. Daddo has repositioned his desk in the living room to maintain constant supervision, while Kami and Kamael stand sentinel at the front door. The atmosphere remains thick with tension as the parents eschew television and music, ostensibly to avoid confusing the dogs, but really to maintain constant auditory awareness of their surroundings.

A significant revelation emerges through Bela's memories of an earlier encounter with Other Mommy during one of Kelvin's babysitting sessions. The entity demonstrated its ability to perfectly mimic others' voices, specifically imitating Kelvin's laugh and manner of speaking while discussing reincarnation and helping friends 'come to life.' This disturbing memory adds new context to Other Mommy's manipulative capabilities and its long-term planning.

Bela's internal struggle intensifies as she grapples with guilt over the family's current situation. She contemplates saying yes to Other Mommy's request, believing it might end their ordeal, but fears what that would mean for her own existence. The chapter reveals Other Mommy's manipulation of Bela's insecurities about restricting Mommy's freedom, referencing a framed picture of a dancing woman that represents freedom to Mommy. The family's attempt at normalcy through a silent movie viewing is undermined by Daddo's constant monitoring of security cameras, ending with his painful question about how long they would need to go without an incident to feel normal again - a question that remains hauntingly unanswered.

Bela's middle-of-the-night bathroom trip exposes the family's heightened state of anxiety and the breakdown of their normal routines. Daddo's hesitation to escort her and his constant surveillance of the hallway demonstrate their perpetual alertness, while even the guard dogs contribute to the tension by sitting and staring at the ceiling, suggesting a possible supernatural presence.

The bathroom visit becomes an exercise in hypervigilance, with Daddo maintaining watch at the doorway while Bela uses the facilities. Ordinary sounds take on sinister undertones as Bela perceives whispers in both her urination and the tap water, indicating Other Mommy's continued influence on her perception of reality. Every household sound becomes a potential threat in the family's paranoid interpretation.

Returning to the living room, they find Mommy awake, claiming she heard laughter from the kitchen - laughter that neither Bela nor Daddo produced. This leads to a tense discussion about house sounds and the need to maintain watch shifts, with Mommy insisting she doesn't want to 'stare at one place' for fear of creating 'corners of the eyes.' The chapter concludes with the family's failed attempt to return to sleep, as even Kamael's protective presence at the living room entrance heightens rather than alleviates their fears, leading both parents to abandon their planned shift system and decide to stay awake together.

Daddo desperately searches online for supernatural experts who might help them deal with Other Mommy, while the family maintains their vigilant watch in the living room. His increasingly frantic search reveals numerous self-proclaimed specialists from Samhattan, though Mommy remains skeptical of their credentials. The tension between the parents escalates as Mommy expresses feeling trapped by their situation, lamenting the life she wanted to live versus their current reality of being confined to their home.

While Bela drifts off to sleep on the couch, she awakens to find herself inexplicably in her bedroom upstairs, despite the family's rule against sleeping there. Other Mommy appears in a particularly cunning form, perfectly mimicking Kelvin's appearance and voice while claiming the parents sent him to watch over Bela. The entity attempts to manipulate Bela by suggesting it could help fix her parents' relationship if she would agree to 'switch places' for just one day, revealing a more sophisticated approach to its goal of possession.

The chapter culminates in a terrifying escape as Bela flees downstairs upon realizing the deception, with Other Mommy pursuing her in Kelvin's partially-formed appearance. The family's quick reaction leads them to evacuate the house entirely, taking refuge in their front yard. The crisis reaches a turning point as Daddo finally connects with someone willing to help them immediately, despite the late hour, marking their first potential breakthrough in finding professional assistance with their supernatural predicament.

Brian arrives at the house as the family's last hope against Other Mommy - a supernatural expert who immediately stands out with his imposing presence, bald head, and all-black attire including gloves. Described as bigger than Daddo, he projects a serious, professional demeanor that contrasts sharply with the family's frantic desperation. The family conducts a thorough tour of the house, showing him all the significant locations including Bela's bedroom, the closets, and bathrooms, while maintaining their policy of staying together at all times. The guard dogs, Kami and Kamael, are introduced to Brian through the trainers' prescribed method.

Brian's approach to the supernatural situation proves uniquely pragmatic, as he explicitly states his preference for non-religious clients and refuses to categorize the entity as either a ghost or demon, simply referring to it as a 'pest.' His methodology becomes clear as he dismisses the importance of camera footage, insisting on experiencing the house firsthand. This leads to tension with Mommy, who becomes defensive when she perceives Brian might be doubting their claims about Other Mommy's existence.

The chapter culminates in Brian's solo inspection of the house, despite Mommy's concerns about letting a stranger roam their home alone. As the family watches from the backyard, they observe his flashlight moving through different rooms, with a notable pause in Bela's bedroom. The scene reveals the growing strain between Mommy and Daddo, with Mommy expressing hopelessness while Daddo desperately insists they're 'trying.' Brian emerges from his inspection with a surprisingly simple declaration - he plans to 'trick' the entity, though the specifics of his strategy remain unclear.

Tension builds as the family observes Brian's unorthodox approach to their supernatural crisis. While Brian sets up his equipment in the dining room, Mommy expresses strong skepticism about his methods, particularly his refusal to review camera footage and his casual demeanor while eating chips. The parents engage in whispered arguments about Brian's credibility, with Daddo desperately defending their decision to seek help while Mommy dismisses it as a waste of time.

The dynamic shifts with Grandma Ruth's arrival at the house, appearing better rested than during their last encounter but still viewing the house with obvious trepidation. Her presence prompts a private discussion with Mommy and Daddo up the sidewalk, leaving Bela alone on the front lawn. During this moment, Bela witnesses Brian's peculiar behavior through the window as he suddenly becomes alert to something on the ceiling, leading him to investigate upstairs with his flashlight and later return with a tape recorder.

The chapter culminates in several tense moments that highlight the family's fragile state. Mommy's harsh reaction to finding Bela near the house alone draws concerned attention from a neighbor, while Grandma Ruth's arrival brings both support and additional tension to the situation. The family's careful introduction of Grandma to the guard dogs using her flannel shirt demonstrates their new, hyper-vigilant reality. Most notably, Brian's discovery of something on his tape recorder creates intrigue, though Mommy's dismissal of the potential evidence reveals her deep skepticism about finding any solution to their crisis. The chapter ends with the poignant observation that despite their differences, the family remains clustered together, united by their shared fear of being alone in the house.

Mommy searches for alternative help on Daddo's computer while expressing deep skepticism about their current situation. Through an intimate conversation with Bela, she reveals complex feelings about her relationship with Daddo, particularly his relentless optimism and inability to simply acknowledge when things are difficult. Her reflections on their early relationship and Daddo's perpetually positive nature provide crucial insight into their marital tensions, suggesting that their different approaches to handling adversity may have contributed to their current struggles.

The night takes a dramatic turn when the guard dogs alert them to Other Mommy's presence in the dining room. Brian, initially asleep at the table, encounters the entity on her knees with eyes at the top of her head. Despite the family's warnings, Brian approaches Other Mommy with disturbing eagerness, attempting to touch her. The situation escalates rapidly as Other Mommy's mouth stretches to the floor, releasing a devastating wind that pins everyone down while emitting an otherworldly sound that seems to encompass every possible noise.

The encounter reaches its climax when Brian finally touches Other Mommy, leading to a sudden end to the supernatural display. Rather than helping the family as promised, Brian reveals his true motivation - he merely wanted to confirm the existence of supernatural entities for his own satisfaction. His betrayal culminates in a physical altercation with Daddo before he flees the scene, leaving the family to face their crisis alone. The chapter concludes with Mommy and Daddo making the grave decision to handle the supernatural threat themselves, sharing a moment of unity despite their earlier tensions as they acknowledge the daunting task ahead.

Brian's betrayal leaves Mommy and Daddo alone for an intimate late-night conversation while believing Bela is asleep on the couch. Their discussion reveals both their deep fears and their determination to confront Other Mommy directly, drawing strength from memories of their college days at State when they felt invincible. Mommy particularly emphasizes the need to find inner strength they've never had to access before, acknowledging that their previous life challenges pale in comparison to their current supernatural crisis.

The parents strategize about how to confront Other Mommy, discussing potential weapons and acknowledging the entity's ability to mimic other people's appearances. Their conversation reveals the gravity of their situation as they consider the possibility that Other Mommy killed Frank, while also expressing concern about their own mortality and what might happen to Bela if something happens to them. The discussion demonstrates a shift in their perspective from basic parenting to pure survival, with both parents accepting the extreme danger they face.

The chapter concludes with a powerful moment of family unity as Mommy and Daddo share their tears, fears, and determination to face Other Mommy together. They decide to attack the entity the next time they see it, regardless of location or circumstances, settling on knives as their weapons of choice. When they realize Bela is awake and listening, they include her in their pact of unity, declaring themselves a team. This moment represents a significant shift from their previous defensive stance to an offensive approach in dealing with Other Mommy.

The family's preparation begins with an almost ritualistic quality as Daddo shaves while Mommy and Bela watch. The seemingly ordinary acts of personal grooming take on deeper significance as the family acknowledges how long it's been since they've taken care of themselves, with both parents exhibiting an underlying tension beneath their forced normalcy.

The preparation continues upstairs with careful attention to safety protocols, as Mommy insists they stay within sight of each other at all times. During their shower and clothing selection, Mommy cuts both her own and Bela's hair while explaining to Bela that she and Daddo may need to 'take action' soon, instructing her daughter to stay clear when that happens. The presence of knives on the bed reveals the deadly serious nature of their preparations.

The chapter concludes with the family getting dressed in nice clothes, including Bela's party outfit, while both parents arm themselves with knives. Their descent downstairs, with Bela protected between them and the guard dogs watching from below, culminates in Mommy's declaration that this is their house, their child, and their fight - marking their transition from victims to active defenders against Other Mommy's threat.

Armed with knives and flanked by their guard dogs, the family maintains an anxious vigil in their living room. The night unfolds in a series of disorienting transitions as Bela drifts in and out of sleep, eventually awakening to find her parents staring up at the ceiling, having detected Other Mommy's presence upstairs. Despite their initial hesitation about bringing Bela along, they decide they cannot leave her alone and prepare to confront the entity together, with strict instructions for her to stay within sight but at a safe distance.

The confrontation builds to a terrifying crescendo as the family ascends the stairs and discovers Other Mommy's presence in the storage closet, which Daddo once used for hide-and-seek. As they approach the darkened closet, with both parents brandishing knives and steeling themselves for violence, Other Mommy speaks from within, asking 'Hello, and who are you?' while the dogs begin barking frantically downstairs. Just as Mommy and Daddo charge into the darkness with their knives, their momentum is broken by the unexpected sound of the doorbell.

The interruption causes chaos as Other Mommy seemingly vanishes from the storage closet only to manifest in Bela's bedroom, while the persistent doorbell ringing forces the family to retreat downstairs. They find Lois Anthony on their porch, arriving with an urgent revelation about dealing with Other Mommy. Despite Mommy's initial hostility, Lois insists she has learned the true nature of their supernatural crisis, explaining that Other Mommy is attracted to Bela's innocence and won't leave until it has her. Lois's proposed solution - to make Bela 'less appetizing' to the entity by taking away her innocence - presents the family with a disturbing potential path forward in their desperate situation.

Lois's revelation about Other Mommy's attraction to innocence prompts the family's desperate journey to Lake Michigan, over a hundred miles from their home. Before departing, they arrange for the guard dogs to be collected by their trainers, despite the late hour. Lois's reasoning for the journey centers on the possibility that Other Mommy might have physical limitations - questioning whether the entity can travel such distances or manifest without structures to hide within.

The car journey reveals the complex dynamics between the passengers, with Lois riding in the back alongside Bela while continuing to explain her theories about Other Mommy's nature. Her insights suggest that the entity either seeks to corrupt innocence or specifically targets Bela due to perceiving her as vulnerable to manipulation. The conversation frequently returns to the interrupted confrontation at their house, with Daddo expressing disbelief at their attempted violent solution with kitchen knives.

As they drive toward Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes, tension builds around an unspoken revelation that Mommy believes they must share with Bela. The gravity of this undisclosed information is evident in Daddo's silent head shake and Lois's worried expression when Bela asks about it. The chapter ends with Lois emphasizing their two-step plan: first achieving physical distance from Other Mommy, then having some kind of significant conversation with Bela that the adults seem reluctant to initiate.

The family arrives at Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes area, where they set up camp on a secluded beach with supplies Lois had prepared in advance. The vast expanse of water and sand creates a stark contrast to the darkness of their home, particularly the second pantry where Other Mommy had manifested. While Mommy and Daddo sleep exhaustedly under a white umbrella, Lois takes the opportunity to have a private conversation with Bela at the water's edge, preparing her for difficult revelations to come.

During their conversation, Lois gently probes Bela about her early interactions with Other Mommy, revealing crucial details about the entity's manipulation. Bela discloses that Other Mommy had described possession as being 'as easy as slipping into a dress,' a metaphor that had appealed to Bela's innocence. Lois's reaction to these details suggests deep concern about the predatory nature of Other Mommy's approach, particularly how the entity gathered personal information from Bela while revealing little about itself.

The peaceful scene takes an ominous turn when Bela and Lois spot what appears to be a dark-furred creature crawling on all fours along the beach toward them. The creature's approach creates an unsettling optical illusion - despite appearing to move closer, it maintains its distance. The moment is interrupted by Mommy's awakening, who expresses brief relief at not waking to something horrible before acknowledging they're still in the midst of their crisis. The chapter ends with the implicit threat that Other Mommy may have followed them even to this distant sanctuary.

The family gathers around a campfire as the sun sets over Lake Michigan's Sleeping Bear Dunes, creating an atmosphere markedly different from their terror-filled house. Daddo spends most of the day staring at the water, eventually breaking his silence to ask Bela if she senses anything supernatural, immediately acknowledging the absurdity of asking such a question on a peaceful beach. Meanwhile, Mommy and Lois collect firewood together, their cautious behavior suggesting they're still deeply affected by their recent experiences.

The peaceful setting prompts Daddo to reflect philosophically on their situation, noting the irony that despite society's fascination with supernatural phenomena, there's a striking lack of real help available when actually confronting such events. When Bela points out that Lois did help them, Daddo acknowledges this exception with gratitude, recognizing that Lois's intervention and current presence represents a rare instance of genuine assistance in their crisis.

As the group gathers closer to the fire, tension builds around an impending conversation that needs to take place. Lois begins by explaining the concept of innocence to Bela, describing it as a state of purity and unawareness of the world's darker aspects. This leads to a heated moment when Mommy objects to the frightening way Lois presents the concept, particularly her assertion that the innocent are targeted first. The chapter concludes with Mommy preparing to tell Bela a story that she warns will change how Bela sees the world, suggesting the family is about to take dramatic action to address Other Mommy's attraction to Bela's innocence.

At the peaceful Lake Michigan shore, Mommy finally reveals the devastating truth she's been keeping from Bela - that Daddo is not her biological father. In an emotional confession, she details her previous marriage to Douglas Cain and her pattern of infidelity, including her affair with Daddo that began at the Mart Street Bakery. The revelation includes the circumstances of Bela's conception, with Mommy explaining how she discovered through a paternity test that Douglas, not Daddo, was the biological father.

The confession deepens as Mommy describes how Douglas abandoned both her and the unborn Bela after discovering her affair with Daddo. It was at this moment that Daddo made the choice to raise Bela as his own daughter, a decision that has defined their family until now. The devastating confession serves Lois's strategy of revoking Bela's innocence to make her less appealing to Other Mommy, though Mommy expresses deep conflict about intentionally causing her daughter pain, even to protect her.

The chapter culminates in Bela's traumatic reaction to these revelations, as she runs down the beach in an attempt to escape the truth. When her family catches up to her, Bela begins consciously lying to them, claiming Other Mommy is gone and no longer wants her. However, her internal monologue reveals she can see Other Mommy crawling along the beach, suggesting that the attempt to revoke her innocence through painful truth has failed to deter the entity. The chapter ends with Bela's bitter decision to keep lying to her parents, mirroring how they lied to her, even as Other Mommy approaches in the darkness.

Tension builds as the family attempts to process their new reality on the beach after learning the truth about Bela's paternity. Bela, deeply hurt by the lies, tries to distance herself from Daddo during a morning walk, screaming her pain and rejection while he follows behind. Daddo attempts to explain the evolution of their family secret, describing how his decision to help raise Bela began with good intentions but became complicated by the question of when to reveal the truth.

The situation escalates when Bela, overwhelmed by emotions and the sight of Other Mommy in the clouds, runs into Lake Michigan fully clothed. During her time underwater, she sees Other Mommy's distinctive features - hairy legs with three-toed feet on the rocky bottom - suggesting the entity has indeed followed them to this remote location. The family's frantic rescue of Bela leads to a confrontation between Mommy and Lois, culminating in Mommy slapping Lois when she questions whether anyone else saw something in the water.

In the aftermath of this chaos, Lois decides to leave, hoping they've 'done some good work' despite the violent end to her involvement. Daddo attempts to process the situation through metaphors about broken glass and spreading damage, while Bela maintains a telling silence when asked if their attempt to remove her innocence has successfully deterred Other Mommy. The chapter ends with Daddo expressing doubt about their ability to handle any more supernatural encounters, unaware that Bela can still smell Other Mommy's presence and see an unnaturally still wave in the lake, indicating their strategy has failed.

The drive home from Lake Michigan becomes a crucible of emotional breakdown as Mommy experiences an intense crisis about her role in their supernatural predicament. She theorizes that Other Mommy's presence is karmic retribution for her years of taking her family for granted, her infidelity, and her failures as a mother and wife. Her self-recrimination includes specific examples of maternal neglect, such as having an eleven-year-old watch Bela while she went drinking at Mark's place.

During the car ride, Bela becomes aware of a disturbing presence in the trunk, witnessing fingertips and movement pressing against her seat. Despite her attempts to alert her parents, they remain absorbed in their heated discussion about family dynamics, with Mommy criticizing Daddo's perpetual optimism and suggesting their contrasting personalities - his light versus her darkness - have contributed to their dysfunction. Throughout this exchange, Bela's growing awareness of Other Mommy's presence in the trunk goes unnoticed by her distracted parents.

Upon arriving home, they find Grandma Ruth waiting in the driveway, having been contacted by Daddo. The chapter concludes with a poignant moment as Bela questions Grandma Ruth's identity, asking if she's really her grandmother - a reflection of her shattered trust following the paternity revelation. Grandma Ruth's direct affirmation of their relationship, made without looking to Mommy and Daddo for confirmation, provides a small measure of stability as the family faces their return to the house and whatever awaits them inside.

Grandma Ruth engages Bela in a profound conversation about processing difficult truths while Mommy and Daddo are upstairs, helping her work through the devastating revelations from Lake Michigan. Through an extended metaphor comparing hearts to houses, Grandma Ruth attempts to help Bela understand how to handle the painful knowledge about her biological father without letting it become a permanent, immovable 'statue' in her emotional landscape. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open heart and mind while acknowledging that some truths are difficult even for adults to process.

The conversation evolves into a deeper exploration of space and potential, with Grandma Ruth using their house as a concrete example of how physical spaces contain infinite possibilities for growth and change. She helps Bela understand that her childhood home represents more than just its physical dimensions, suggesting that the experiences and memories created within make it as vast as the world itself. This philosophical discussion serves as both comfort and guidance for Bela as she struggles with her shattered trust in her parents.

As evening falls, the family's supernatural crisis remains ever-present despite their focus on emotional healing. While Daddo expresses hope that Lois's plan might have worked, citing the absence of activity on their security cameras during their absence, Mommy insists on maintaining their vigilance. The chapter concludes with the family settling into their new sleeping arrangements, with Grandma Ruth volunteering to stay awake while Bela works on the Michigan puzzle. Though Bela initially refuses to respond to Daddo's goodnight, she internally considers forgiving him, influenced by Grandma Ruth's wisdom about not letting painful truths become permanent obstacles in one's heart. The chapter ends with an ominous note as creaking sounds from upstairs suggest Other Mommy's continued presence, even as Grandma Ruth remains focused on solving the puzzle with Bela.

Bela and Grandma Ruth work on the Michigan puzzle together while the others rest, but what begins as an innocent activity takes a sinister turn as Bela drifts in and out of consciousness, noticing increasingly disturbing changes in both the puzzle and Grandma Ruth's behavior. The puzzle itself seems to transform, showing impossible details of their recent journey and revealing waves that don't move, while Grandma Ruth's position in the room shifts unnaturally between Bela's moments of awareness.

The situation deteriorates as Bela realizes that 'Grandma Ruth' is actually Other Mommy in disguise, confirmed when she notices hair on 'Grandma's' finger and observes her face appearing lower on her head. Other Mommy, still maintaining the pretense of being Grandma Ruth, delivers a chilling monologue about houses being single rooms filled with decisions, speaking of lying homes and cheating homes, before revealing her true intentions.

The chapter reaches its devastating climax as Bela discovers the real Grandma Ruth's body in the foyer closet while Other Mommy terrorizes her parents upstairs. After hearing violent confrontations and thuds, Bela ascends the stairs to find both Mommy and Daddo lying face-down on her bedroom floor. In the final moments, Other Mommy emerges from the closet and makes her usual request to go into Bela's heart. This time, thinking of her parents' happiness, Bela agrees. The chapter concludes with Bela being displaced into the vast, empty space where Other Mommy came from, while Other Mommy takes her place in the physical world, suggesting a permanent and tragic exchange has occurred.