62 pages • 2 hours read
Nana’s voice comes from the TV screen. Trixie explains that a home movie started playing when she switched it on. On the screen, Nancy is carrying newborn Daisy while Rose and Lily, dressed like twins, admire their baby sister. Watching the video, Daisy remembers that Nancy always dressed her elder sisters the same way while she had their hand-me-downs.
The Darker family argues about whether to contact the police. As the phone does not work and they cannot cross the causeway until low tide, Conor suggests taking the boat. Rose, who continually checks her watch, volunteers to row to the mainland.
After Rose leaves, the home video shows Daisy alone in her crib. Rose enters the room singing a dark variation of “Hush Little Baby.” She puts a baby mouse in the crib and leaves. In the present, Rose comes back and announces the boat has gone. Someone appears to have cut the rope mooring it to the island.
When Trixie says she is afraid to go to the bathroom, Lily rebukes her for being childish. Each member of the group leaves the room for different reasons. After pouring himself a whiskey, Frank retreats to the music room to play the piano.
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