The Goldfish Boy

Melissa Dawson is the first to respond to Matthew’s announcement, followed by his parents, Mr. Charles, and Casey. Matthew retreats to the office and watches everything unfold from up there. All the neighbors appear outside, rejoicing in the return of Teddy Dawson. A patrol car shows up soon and two officers get out, talking into their radios. Even Nina appears, and with her a small, blue knitted blanket that she hands to Melissa. There are only two people absent from the festivities: Penny and Gordon. When the crowd begins asking Teddy where he has been, he replies, “Fishy!” (260).

The police question Matthew after the return of Teddy Dawson, as they are curious to know why Teddy would name Matthew as his kidnapper. Matthew’s parents step in and point out that Teddy is still a toddler, and being so, does not know many words. Before the police leave, they ask Matthew if he knows who took Teddy, to which he firmly replies that he does not.

Later in the day, Matthew uses his binoculars to search for Wallpaper Lion, figuring he may have dropped it on Penny and Gordon’s driveway. Miraculously, he spots the Wallpaper Eye, near their house.