Bruiser

Things continue to get better in Brontë’s home, although “subtly,” causing her not to put much thought into why. Meanwhile, she sees Brewster’s condition decline, as he becomes exhausted and “on edge” whenever he is at home.

After Brewster saved Cody, he became briefly famous as several people caught it on video and sent it into the news.

At lunch, several people stop at Brewster and Brontë’s table to talk with Brewster, having heard the news about him saving Cody. One couple that stops is Amanda Milner and Joe Crippendorf, who have always been friendly with Brontë but largely ignored Brewster.

Amanda invites Brontë and Brewster to her 16th birthday party, while Joe apologizes to Brewster for being mean to him in the past. Brontë is excited by the idea that people are starting to be nice to Brewster, thinking that it may lead to friendships.

That night, Brontë gets up in the middle of the night and finds Brewster sitting on his bed, wide awake and still dressed. He informs her that Cody had a nightmare, but she realizes something else is wrong.

Brewster admits that he feels responsible for Uncle Hoyt’s death. He explains that Hoyt asked him to save his life by taking on his stroke, but Brewster refused.