Hidden Pictures

On weekends, Mallory usually stays behind as the Maxwells go on family outings. She cleans while other young people are out dating, and she denies herself social media, which is one of the guidelines for her recovery. Mondays, when she can return to work, are a relief. One morning, Caroline says Teddy’s been wetting the bed and that he’s self-conscious about it. She blames the stress of the move.

In the mornings, Mallory and Teddy often play “Enchanted Forest” (67), which means taking a hike and inventing stories, characters, and predicaments as they move through the woods. One afternoon, Mallory hears Teddy talking to himself during “Quiet Time.” He says, “Clouds. Lots of stars?” (69). The principal of Brook Elementary calls and leaves a welcome message for Teddy. Later, Teddy shows Mallory a drawing of a man walking backward in a forest, dragging a woman against a starry background. He says that Anya acts out a story and he draws it. This is what he calls the “whole game” (71). Teddy says Anya wants Mallory to have this drawing. She takes it but doesn’t store it with Caroline’s stash of Teddy’s other drawings.

Mallory buys an Android tablet and searches the internet for Annie Barrett, but she finds nothing useful.