Summary

In “Wolf’s Lair,” PJ and his friend Nev played in the woods. They pretended to be WWII soldiers. PJ grew distracted when he noticed a red squirrel. Now that it was summer, PJ spent most of his time outside to avoid his parents’ fighting.

The boys found the shed in the woods. PJ explained that Cass and her friends called “it the Bunker” and drank beer there (90). Nev was skeptical and bored. PJ felt frustrated and alone.

He texted his online friend Ethan. They had met through gaming.

PJ and Nev bonded over games, too. They spent most of their time playing Black Dawn at Nev’s. However, PJ felt uncomfortable whenever Nev’s mother asked about his family.

Back home, PJ entered Cass’s room to tell her about the red squirrel. Cass dismissed him. PJ silently listed the reasons Cass...