Be More Chill

The next morning, Michael calls to tell Jeremy the news about the fire. Jeremy tells him they can talk later and then calls Christine. It is too early in the morning, and her mother scolds him for calling so early. Jeremy goes back to sleep and is awakened when Christine calls him. They both know about the fire, but she doesn’t want to talk about it. Instead, they have a conversation about their lives, their parents, and their interests. Jeremy learns that Christine’s father writes her letters when he has to travel for work. Finally, the SQUIP recommends that they stop talking. Jeremy’s mother angrily knocks on the door to confront him about the car and the stolen Beanie Babies.

Jeremy’s mother confronts him about the party. She and his father are relieved that he was not hurt but are upset by his lies and unusual behavior. The SQUIP recommends that he tell the truth, so Jeremy admits to doing drugs, taking the car, and having a supercomputer in his head. Jeremy’s mother assumes that he is thinking irrationally or is still affected by the drugs. She starts to cry, and so does Jeremy.