Summary

Chapter 9. The fifth installment of the “Shawn” poem describes a void where Sydney’s heart should be. Instead of a heart, Sydney finds a ghost bird that is flying into a windstorm in the middle of winter. Instead of flying, the bird seems to be falling.

The chapter opens with Shawn’s optimism about his older sister’s sleepovers. He points out being disabled does have its advantages, especially when you seem invisible. He relates he cannot have an intimate relationship with a girl, but he does enjoy watching his sister’s friends prance about in their underwear in front of him.

Shawn is excited because his sister, Cindy, has a new friend over tonight. Her name is Ally and Shawn thinks she is the most beautiful creature he has ever seen. He says his stomach aches and he feels warm when she talks to...