Summary

On the first day of holiday break at “Number Four, The Avenue (5 July 1976),” Grace divulges to her parents that she and Tilly will be searching for God. Her father responds sarcastically about Him not being around their house much. This leads to a conversation about Grace’s Mom refusing to attend the funeral of the woman who had been dead over a week with no one noticing. The conversation is dropped and the house returns to a heavy silence.

Later, Grace and Tilly discuss their observations. Grace believes all adults lie, and Tilly notes that Mrs. Forbes’ face revealed that she was not telling the whole truth. From a window, they watch Mr. Creasy await the bus. When Mrs. Creasy does not exit the bus, Mr. Creasy returns to his house, and Grace and...