A List of Cages

This three-page chapter is narrated by Adam as he's still sitting in the hospital. He has been there for two days, ever since Julian was admitted. Julian finally speaks and asks Adam if school is out for the summer. When Adam tells Julian that the school is not on summer vacation yet and it’s still this school year, Julian thinks Adam is wrong because "[he] was [in the trunk] for so long" (242). Julian explains how he counted while he was in the “shell,” and the shell disappeared, and he didn't know where he was. Adam tells Julian he was not in a shell; he was in a trunk.

This chapter is narrated by Adam, who is at Julian's bedside in the hospital room with Delores Carter, Julian's legally appointed guardian, and Adam's mother, Catherine. Officer Clark enters the room to speak with Julian, and Julian stutters through his story about being locked in the trunk. When Clark asks Julian where Russell is now, Julian says he might be at work. Clark snaps at Julian, saying Russell hasn't worked in over a year. Adam suspects Clark doesn't believe Julian and asks Clark for time with just Julian. Clark tells Adam to wait outside; Adam looks over at Julian's terrified face.