The Things She's Seen

As Catching finishes her story, the wind dies down. Beth is shocked to realize that it is now morning. The story has had a powerful impact on her father; his face is “crumpled,” and he tells Catching how sorry he is for what she experienced. Catching reminds him of her earlier warning that he was too late to save her. She tells Michael where the entrance to the bunker is. As Michael stands, Beth sees him transform back into the father she has always known: a determined, strong, and clear-headed man. She recognizes that the familiar lines in his face are deeper now, etched by pain, but otherwise he seems like himself. Catching looks tired but somehow free. She surprises Beth with a genuine smile and tells Beth to go with her father and to stop worrying. She states that Beth will “know when [she] knows” (172). Beth decides that this is good advice and follows her father.

Michael heads toward the ruins of the children’s home and makes Beth promise not to follow him inside. Hartley is waiting, and she and Michael search the ground. Beth, still confused about the true meaning of Catching’s story, is surprised when her father locates the door to the underground bunker.