Part 1, Chapter 4 Summary

Mikey tells Silas that he is not feeling well and that he will not be going to the hospital that night. He climbs the stairs, leaving his father without a chance to question him or see whether he really is sick.

Silas thinks that he will bear the burden of Mikey's absence when he goes to the hospital. Any explanation that he tries to give will be turned into something more sinister. His son has turned into a moody, reclusive stranger. Silas remembers when Mireille, just two years older than Mikey, was sent away. Mikey had withdrawn from the family and he became sick often.

The doorbell rings and Silas answers it, finding Kate Jessup and Julian Solomon at the door. Silas hugs them. He tells the visitors that Mikey is sick and that he doesn't want to leave him alone...