Swallowing Stones

Michael

School is starting soon. Michael begins to relax, believing the police have hit a dead end. Michael goes on a nightly run, during which he often stops on the church steps across from the Ward house. However, he’s more anxious about stopping there since Jenna approached him at the party two days prior. He worries Jenna will recognize him. Michael was only waiting outside that party for a chance to see Amy, who won’t take his calls.

Michael has also been pulling weeds at the Ward house after dark. He feels Charlie Ward would’ve wanted someone to look after the house and yard. Michael even cleaned the gutters the other night, but it was much more work than he anticipated, and it was morning before he was done. Michael notices the police presence around the Ward house and wonders if they suspect him of being a trespasser. Not wanting police attention, Michael leaves the church steps and continues his run.

Michael spots Amy leaving a 7-Eleven. Amy is surprised to see him but less hostile. Michael apologizes and tells Amy that everything Darcy said was a lie. Amy explains that she worries about Michael’s intentions with her because of what happened at Michael’s party.