Summary

In the section “First Contact, Part Three,” Olly responds to Madeline’s email with an Instant Message. He learns from their conversation that Madeline is half Japanese and half African American. He tells her he that they will be friends.

As the two continue to get to know one another, Olly asks Madeline if she is grounded. She explains that she is not grounded but she cannot leave the house. Later when he asks why there is most always an adult with her, Madeline asks if they can talk about something else. In a separate IM session, Madeline asks Olly why his father was so angry that day. Olly indicates that while Madeline’s reasons for not leaving the house are her secrets, his father’s behavior is his secret.

One morning at 3 a.m. Madeline...