62 pages • 2 hours read
The Staircase in the Woods
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Chapters 18-34Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death by suicide, child abuse, bullying, self-harm, mental illness, substance use, and cursing.
Chapter 18 Summary: “Lauren and Matty”
In the earlier timeline, Lauren and Matty have been dating on and off for a year. When Matty wanted to make it “official,” Lauren had reservations. Now, though, she wants to tell Matty that she is ready for a relationship. She pulls out a tin containing two sugar cubes laced with LSD, but Matty doesn’t want any. Disappointed, Lauren feels a distance widening between them. She takes both doses, and they head back to camp.
Chapter 19 Summary: “Tales Told, and a Covenant Invoked”
Owen can tell that something bad has happened between Matty and Lauren, and he is happy to see that they aren’t getting along. Eventually, Matty suggests that they all go up the staircase. When they decline, he invokes the Covenant, but the rest of the group says that this is an inappropriate use of their bond.
Chapter 20 Summary: “A Brief History of the Covenant (1995-1998)”
Hamish was bullied in ninth grade, and his tormentors—Bryan, Kenny, and Tom—were all in 12th grade. One day, after they attacked Hamish in a bathroom, Matty and Nick agreed that it was time to fight back. One Friday, the group put smelly food into the bullies’ lockers and filled Bryan’s car with 10,000 crickets. The seniors then targeted the entire friend group, beating them up and threatening Lauren.
