Into the Water

Nickie claims she is descended from witches, specifically Libby Seeton. She hears her dead sister’s voice as she recalls meeting and interacting with Nel. Nickie alludes to a story her sister, Jeannie, told her about Patrick Townsend. Nickie wanders over to Nel’s funeral to watch from outside. 

Helen Townsend cries on the morning of Nel’s funeral, not because of Nel but because Patrick murdered the pregnant cat that was on their property. Helen admits to herself that she’s worried about Sean based on items she found in the car, but she keeps her thoughts to herself. 

Josh finds his mother’s gaiety in getting ready for Nel’s funeral disturbing. He thinks to himself, “It’s bad enough that I’ve already lied to them, and that Mum did too—what are they going to think when they see her turning up dressed like she’s going to a party?” (101). Josh worries that the police will find out that he and his parents lied about where they were when Nel died. When Josh’s family arrives at the funeral, Louise breaks down sobbing.