The Face on the Milk Carton

Janie awakens in the night from an upsetting dream. She doubts her parents’ story about her origins, recognizing that their story does not explain the milk carton. She tries to separate her true memories from her theories and fears. Janie worries that Frank and Miranda could have kidnapped her from New Jersey to replace Hannah. Janie cannot go back to sleep.

Janie eats an uncomfortable breakfast with both of her parents. Miranda offers to spend the day with Janie, but Janie decides to go to school. Frank appears nervous. Janie wishes that she could reassure him but finds it difficult to behave normally. She sees Reeve leaving for school and climbs into his Jeep. Janie and Reeve decide to skip school. She tells him to drive toward New Jersey.

Janie and Reeve leave Connecticut, passing through heavy traffic in New York. As they drive by waterfront homes, Janie imagines where “Jayyne Jonstone,” her invented identity, would live. She continues to think that her parents may have kidnapped her. Janie tells Reeve about the milk carton and her suspicions. Reeve questions Janie’s memory and says that Miranda and Frank could go to prison if they did kidnap Janie.