Releasing 10

A year later, Lizzie and Hugh continue to grow closer as friends. At the end of the summer, they play in the treehouse with each other, wrestling. When Lizzie accidentally hits Hugh in his testicles, she tries to touch him to help. However, Hugh stops her, insisting that no one should touch each other in their intimate parts. He tells her that anyone who touches her beneath her clothes should be considered a monster. Lizzie sobs and apologizes, but Hugh comforts and reassures her.

Later that night, Lizzie can’t stop crying. Caoimhe tries to check on her, but Lizzie angrily accuses her of “let[ting] the monster in” (146). She then attacks Caoimhe, who screams for their father. Mike yells that Lizzie is imagining things, and then tells Catherine that they are going to treat Lizzie how he believes is right moving forward.

Six weeks later, Caoimhe goes over to Hugh’s house to babysit. Hugh confronts her, demanding to know when Lizzie is coming home. Caoimhe explains that the doctors are trying to help her sister, insisting that Hugh knows less about Lizzie than he thinks.