Reality Boy

Gerald and Hannah both decide to contact their parents at the same time. On a napkin, Hannah writes the message: “We’ve kidnapped ourselves. We’re safe. We’re sick of how you treat us” (320). They both take a photo of the napkin and send it to their parents. Hannah’s mother sends a series of erratic text messages, some of which are apologetic. When Gerald tells his father that he will not come home until Tasha moves out, his father tells him it is not so bad. His father also threatens to call the cops and tell them that Gerald stole his car so that Gerald will have no choice but to come home. Gerald tells his father to call Lisi, who can explain to him how much Tasha has terrorized both their lives.

Gerald and Hannah finally locate Joe Jr. at a barn in Florida. Joe Jr. is furious at Gerald for coming and tells him that there is no way he and Hannah can join the circus. However, he offers them both a place to stay for the night.

Gerald and Hannah have dinner with Joe Jr.’s family, which also consists of other guest visitors. The family chatter about reality television, until Joe Jr.’s sister breaks a plate and declares that she is pregnant. Joe. Jr. apologizes for his family’s behavior, but Gerald does not find their antics to be so bad compared to his life. Joe Jr. continues to insist that there is no work for Gerald at the circus, especially since it is off-season. Gerald is disappointed and finally shares that he is the Crapper from Network Nanny. Joe Jr. offers his condolences. Gerald tells Joe Jr. that he should visit him and Hannah. They return to the dinner table where Gerald holds Hannah’s hand and tries to imagine a better future with her.

Gerald writes a letter to Nanny. In the letter, he summarizes what has happened to him since his appearance on the show. He holds her accountable for not doing anything about Tasha’s abusive behavior towards him and Lisi. He concludes his letter by sharing, “And even though you knew and didn’t do anything to help me, I’m okay” (336).

Hannah calls her mother and learns that her mother has sought her aunt’s help to find mental health support for her issues. She overhears a short conversation that Gerald has with his father where it appears as if he has agreed to come home. When she asks him about their plans, he tells her that they can do whatever they want.

Gerald attempts to swing on the trapeze. With Joe Jr.’s encouragement, Gerald grabs the bar and lets himself swing across the net. When the swinging stops, he realizes that he has trouble letting his body drop to the net below. When he finally relinquishes the bar, he falls and feels free.

While Gerald’s mother and Tasha go on vacation, Gerald and his father move into a new house. They take only what belonged to them and leave the rest behind. In the new house, Gerald finds a new set of rituals for himself where he feels free.

Although Gerald missed several days of school when he ran away with Hannah, he catches up easily on his assignments. He convinces his father to advocate for his education with the guidance counselor, releasing him from SPED classes and allowing him to join the regular classrooms. He then bids his SPED classmates an emotional goodbye.

Gerald and Hannah return to work at the PEC Center after Beth forgives them for leaving work for a week without notice. When Gerald starts to enter Gersday again, Hannah kisses him, breaking him from his fantasy. He also sees the kind woman who once approached him with sympathy about his youth. He introduces Hannah to her and lets her know that her kindness made a difference in his life. When he looks back at Hannah, he imagines a future with her. He sees bigger aspirations for himself.