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Summary

PART VI: Survival 

Judyta, August 1975: Day Two–Tracy: July 1975 

Judyta, August 1975: Day Two 

Restless and anxious, Judy wakes up at 4:30 AM. She knows she needs to move out of her parents’ home, but her traditional Polish family believes that it’s dishonorable for a single woman to live alone. She has saved money, but it is meant for a car, which grants her some independence. 

Arriving early at the Director’s Cabin, she uses the time to prepare. She notices Bear and Barbara’s names written on the chalkboard and examines the room, taking in the artwork and materials. She discovers a filing cabinet filled with files and spends an hour reading a box labeled with Bear’s name. A photo of Bear holding his mother’s hand saddens Judy, as it reminds her of her own parents' love. She puts the files away before LaRochelle arrives. 

LaRochelle is irritated that Bear’s name is on the board, insisting that Barbara is the only active case. He gives an update on the investigation: John Paul McClellan is still the primary suspect but has been released on bail, Louise Donadieu’s bail hearing is today, and Lee Towson is rumored to have fled to Colorado. The identity of the figure Tracy saw in the woods remains unknown. As Judy struggles to stay awake, LaRochelle informs the team that Susan Yoder, the director of Barbara’s school, claims Barbara had a male visitor sneak into her room once, and witnesses are being interviewed. Judy shares her knowledge of the room being painted pink, and he reveals that investigators found Barbara’s sketchbook with mural designs. Plans are set in place to remove the pink paint to uncover what lies beneath. 

LaRochelle assigns Judy the difficult task of mapping the house and grounds, labeling each room with its occupant’s name. After the meeting, she and Hayes discuss the case, particularly how unfair it is that John Paul secured bail before Louise. They agree it likely comes down to money and connections. 

Hayes tells Judy that everyone quietly suspects Slitter, though LaRochelle refuses to consider it. He admits he was the one who pulled Bear’s file and wrote his name on the chalkboard, believing the two disappearances must be linked. However, Hayes suspects LaRochelle wants to keep them separate to protect his reputation, as Bear’s case helped him secure a promotion. Hayes also believes the Van Laars accepted Bear’s disappearance too easily, stating that wealth over generations can distort a family’s moral values. 

Back at Self-Reliance, Judy sketches the house and revisits the kitchen staff for interviews. She speaks privately with Jeannie Clute, a temporary cook. Jeannie reveals that the Van Laars let the wrong man take the blame when Bear vanished, ruining his reputation. That man was Carl Stoddard—Jeannie’s father. Judy asks if Jeannie knows where Barbara might be, but she doesn’t. However, she believes the Van Laars do. She recounts how they mishandled Bear’s disappearance, delaying the search and treating locals like employees rather than concerned citizens. Jeannie expresses some sympathy for the family if Bear truly went missing but remains bitter that they framed her father. She refuses to sign a statement, fearing the Van Laars could retaliate. 

Judy tries to reach Hayes but is stopped by investigators who say LaRochelle has been yelling at Hayes for ten minutes. The investigators call Judy “honey,” but she firmly corrects them, insisting on being addressed as Investigator Luptak. While waiting for Hayes, she ventures toward the farm buildings. Inside the windowless barn, Judy realizes that it’s a slaughterhouse based on its layout and strong scent. Suddenly, she hears a noise above her. 

Tracy: July 1975 

Tracy and some members of her Survival Trip group, including Barbara, Lowell, Walter, and Christopher, are woken up at 5:30 AM by an air horn. Supplies are distributed based on arrival order, and Tracy, among the first, receives food and water, while the last arrivals get nothing. 

T.J. is assigned to Tracy's group, although she will watch from a distance. Barbara quickly proves more capable than the others, locating water, setting up camp, and directing firewood collection. That evening, the group gathers around the fire to share ghost stories. Lowell sings a sad song, setting a somber mood. Tracy senses that the night feels different—T.J. is present, but the kids, particularly Barbara, are in control of things. 

During a game of Truth or Dare around the fire, Tracy asks Barbara to tell the truth about her boyfriend, but Barbara refuses to say anything. Instead, Barbara dares Lowell to kiss her. Tracy watches, realizing the kiss isn’t playful but full of real desire. Heartbroken, she suspects Lowell likes Barbara and not her. 

Later, Barbara apologizes to Tracy and blames dare and the kiss on her impulsiveness—an issue that she’s been seeing a therapist for since childhood. Barabra continues to open up about her strict father, absent mother, and desire to escape her family by coming to Camp Emerson. Before they fall asleep, she explains how her brother’s disappearance shattered their family. Noticing the time and realizing that she’s late for something, Barbara rushes out of the tent with a flashlight, disappearing into the woods. 

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