Summary

Chapter 23 is titled “The Lights Come On.” The chapter returns to French's perspective. French is relieved that the Watchmen only found the pen. He lies, saying he found it in the hall and was afraid no one would believe him. So, he hid it. He is further relieved that his only punishment is to be locked in his room for two days. French spends some of that time memorizing each of the notes before flushing them away. One is from the daughter of an Anishinaabemowin elder. Two days later, Mitch arrives. He loudly chastises French, then whispers that he knows it was his pen, and thanks French for not telling. French is momentarily hopeful about Mitch, but realizes Mitch continues to be entirely committed to the Program. There are only 20 trays to deliver to isolation rather than the usual 40 trays. French finds notes...