Summary

In Chapter 17, Sammie only “felt at home in her own house” on “weekday afternoons” when no one was home (210). Though she knew “it wasn’t good” to go through Samson’s things, she cleaned his room to feel closer to him (210).

She finished her work for the day, unsure what to do or where to go. “She didn’t even want to be in her own body” (211). After unsuccessfully trying to read and suntan topless on the porch, she cleaned the house. She snuck into Monika’s room, overcome by Monika’s scent. She studied “Monika’s toiletries” (214). She showered in her shower, using an unfamiliar razor and donning makeup Monika “didn’t wear” (214). She guessed these things belonged to Monika’s girlfriend. Sitting pants-less at Monika’s vanity, Sammie discovered letters from a “girl named Megan” (215). The stationary, handwriting, and...