Summary

Outside, Coraline notices the only major difference in the house is that theater lights surround the doorway to Miss Spink and Miss Forcible’s apartment. She hears a noise and turns around to see the black cat. He speaks to her and tells her he is not the other cat, but himself. She asks his name but he tells her cats don’t need names because they know who they are, unlike people. Coraline thinks the cat is haughty but asks how it got there. It demonstrates, going behind a tree, where it disappears. The cat reappears behind her and suggests she should hold onto the protection that she has brought with her. Before Coraline can question it further, it runs off into the woods.

Coraline next knocks on Miss Spink and Miss Forcible’s door. The door opens and she steps into a...