Summary

In “The Rest of the Fourth Tale,” Conor is still in the nightmare. He asks the Monster to take him out, but he will not. He says the truth is that Conor let his mother go. Conor argues with the Monster; the Monster says Conor must admit the truth or be trapped in the nightmare. The pain of the nightmare builds and continues with the Monster urging him to speak the truth, until Conor finally admits that he cannot stand knowing that his mother is going to die; that for a year he just wanted her suffering to be over. The nightmare fades around him as he feels the punishment he deserves.

In “Life After Death,” Conor is on the hill behind his house. He wonders why the fire monster in the nightmare did not kill him. Conor explains to the Monster that...