What is The Secret Place?

The secret place has chairs, a fire pit, and a water feature, symbolizing Wes's abilities and work ethic. This is a wooded area behind Wes's house that served as a playground when the neighborhood children were young, symbolizing their imaginative exploration. When Liz sees it for the first time in this novel, Wes has created an incredible place to relax that symbolizes their changing interests. Liz is surprised that he created this on his own, which is another indication of how little she knows about him.