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Summary

PART VII: Self-Reliance (continued)

Tracy, August 1975: Day Six– Judyta: September 1975 

Tracy, August 1975: Day Six 

Tracy returns home to Hempstead while riding in her father’s Stutz Blackhawk, but she misses his old Chevy and the version of him that drove it. At the house, Tracy rushes into her mother’s arms and is comforted by her. Her father unloads her bags, says his goodbyes, and leaves, making Tracy realize this is how things will be now: just her and her mother. Later that day, Tracy thinks of Barbara, wondering if she’s still out there. Tracy pictures her as she was at camp –strong, steady, resourceful– and Tracy chooses to believe Barbara is still alive. 

Judyta: September 1975 

Judy revisits a conversation that she had with Louise at Driscoll’s Pub, where Louise shuts down the idea that T.J. could have harmed Barbara. Louise insists that T.J. is harmless and only wants solitude. She mentions that T.J. has access to a cabin on a secluded island, and Judy realizes this could be the key to finding Barbara. 

Back at her apartment, Judy plans her next steps. She will return to the Van Laar Preserve and check the map in the Director’s Cabin, which might pinpoint the Hewitt family’s remote cabin in the Adirondacks. She hopes the map is still there, believing it could confirm her theory about Barbara.  

Barbara, August 1975: Day One 

Barbara quietly leaves Camp Emerson, sneaking out of her cabin late at night while her bunkmates sleep. She meets T.J., who has been preparing her escape all summer, and they drive away in her truck with a canoe strapped to the roof. T.J. reassures Barbara that she can change her mind at any time, but Barbara is determined to escape from her reality and live on her own in the remote wilderness.  

They reach a secluded spot, unload the canoe, and paddle across the lake to the island. T.J. reminds her she can hunt deer for food and that the cabin is stocked with supplies. She leaves, promising to return in a month or two. 

Inside the cabin, Barbara feels relieved, and the cabin is well-stocked. Among her belongings is a framed picture of her brother, Bear, which she sets on the table. In her mind, she tells him that he’s safe now.  

Judyta: September 1975 

Judy stands at the edge of a lake, staring at an island in the distance. Driven by her suspicions, hesitates before deciding to swim across, considering she has no boat. Stripping down to her bathing suit, she plunges into the cold water, reminding herself that if she gets tired, she can float. 

The swim is long, and she loses track of time. Eventually, she reaches the opposite shore and sees Barbara emerge from behind a tree. Recognizing her instantly, Judy tentatively raises a hand, but Barbara does not respond. 

Judy, shivering in her bathing suit, knows she must look absurd compared to Barbara, who stands strong and composed. She asks if Barbara is all right, and Barbara nods and returns the question. When Judy asks if she should leave her alone, Barbara hesitates before firmly saying yes.  

As Judy swims back to the mainland, she turns back for a final look. Barbara stands confident at her home in the wilderness. In that moment, Judy sees her not just as a girl but as something immortal–more god than child. When Judy finally reaches the shore, she looks back, but Barbara is hidden behind the trees. 

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