Chapter 10

Summary

• The protagonist begins the chapter by interrogating the motel manager about Emmy Grey, who denies knowledge of her. He returns home to rummage through Emmy's belongings, finding an old watch he thought long gone. Emmy's clothes tell a story of modesty and practicality, indicating to the protagonist that she has changed.
• His investigation reveals that Emmy might have been using his clothes amongst her own. This makes him question how well he knew her, and start reflecting on the fleeting nature of their relationship together. He has a moment of introspection, of the world around him familiar yet so strange in Emmy's absence.
• During the weekday, the protagonist grades students' essays, some of which show allegiance to a certain Davis Cobb. Others are a little more nebulous in their positions, casting doubts on Cobb as an adult figure.
• Among the essays, a mysterious handwritten note surfaces: IT WASN’T COBB. It puzzles the protagonist, and he keeps it for further investigation.
• During the following school day, he finds student Theo Burton in his classroom, a surprising situation given the early hour. The protagonist’s computer is already on, hinting that Theo might have tried to access it. The rest of the students arrive and are given an assignment for writing anonymous letters relating to a proposed safety measure.