Nothing to See Here

Carl takes another shot at enticing the children with the sedative-laced drinks, but Lillian intercepts him. Using a first-aid kit, Carl cleans Lillian’s bite wound and numerous scratches. Bessie expresses mild remorse for causing the wounds. After getting Bessie and Roland changed out of their burned clothing, Lillian changes out of her wet ones and dons a muumuu Carl appropriated from Mrs. Cunningham’s closet.

Carl and Lillian briefly argue about her decision to ignore his instructions and approach the children solo. Lillian wanted to be alone with them to gain their trust, but Carl insists that their mission is “damage control” and disaster prevention. He explains that the children have been through “some awful stuff” and as a result are “damaged goods” (55). He urges Lillian to be careful with them and genuinely considers whether Lillian might need a rabies shot, all with the children in earshot. On the walk to the van, Lillian watches Bessie and Roland, observing that they look even younger than they are. She begins to feel affection for them because, like her, they are “unloved and fucked over” (55). This feeling is not love though, which Lillian believes she is incapable of.

On arriving at the Roberts’ estate, Lillian wakes Bessie and Roland, who claim never to have seen the place before despite spending half of their lives there. Madison is waiting outside with teddy bears for each child, but they stiffen at the mention of her name. Although herself reluctant to exit the van, Bessie drags Roland out. Bessie offhandedly mentions that she has read fairy tales about stepmothers, heightening the tension. Madison notices Lillian’s injuries and wardrobe change, which Carl explains as “a slight mishap” (58). She promises to make the children happy in their new home.

Jasper then arrives, telling the children he missed them. Bessie restrains Roland from approaching “Daddy,” and in that moment the twins’ memories come rushing back. They instantly ignite, and Carl lunges forward to protect the stunned Jasper and Madison. Lillian pulls of the muumuu and uses it to smother the flames while soothing the children. Exhausted and extinguished, Bessie and Roland let Carl carry them back into the van. Carl then urges Jasper to consider alternative solutions for managing the children, but Lillian jumps to their defense, insisting that they were overwhelmed and that it was an accident. After a moment Madison joins her, reminding Jasper that the children will be in the “slave quarters” before amending this to “the guesthouse” (60). Madison whispers campaign slogans about family values, and Jasper declares that the children will stay. In the van, Roland and Bessie are semiconscious but hear the full exchange. Lillian confirms they will be staying and welcomes the children to the place they will make their “home” over the summer.