A List of Cages

This chapter is narrated by Julian as he comes home early from school on the bus. Russell asks Julian where he got his shirt; Julian tells Russell Adam gave it to him. Russell then asks Julian what he’s doing for Adam to give him that shirt; Julian responds that Adam is simply his friend, and he gave it to him because he thought Julian’s clothes were too small. Russell then asks Julian how Adam would know about his clothes being too small, and Julian replies, "'Because he can see'" (196). Russell is shocked at Julian's answer, and he tells him to go get the switch: "'That boy Adam he's been planting things in your head! You never used to talk to me this way'" (196). Julian says that he’s done nothing wrong, and for the first time, Russell goes to get the switch instead of Julian.

The next day, Russell tells Julian he is driving him to school, and that he is going to withdraw Julian from school. He says that Nora, Russell's sister, has agreed to let Julian stay with her. He reminds Julian that he took him in when he had nobody and convinces Julian that Adam and Adam's mother wanted him to leave, when he stayed with them as a foster child. As they are leaving the school after withdrawing, Russell lets Julian call Adam to say goodbye, but Adam doesn't pick up the phone.

Russell and Julian arrive home, and Russell tells Julian to pack. While Julian is packing, Russell reminds Julian he is "spoiled," and he tells Julian how he remembers how Julian's parents expected him "to be subject to the whims of a child" (199). He tells Julian that although he has been getting better under Russell’s tutelage. Russell then pulls out a lock from his pocket and says "'I think I can still teach you'" (199), telling Julian to get inside the trunk. 

Julian narrates the beginning of this chapter as Russell tries to convince Julian to get in the trunk, offering Julian the false dilemma of the trunk or sending Julian away. Julian gets in the trunk, and Russell closes the lid on him quickly.

Russell eventually lets Julian out and gives him a cold glass of water. Julian tells Russell he has to go to the bathroom, and after using the toilet, Julian stretches his legs against the cool bathroom tiles until Russell tells him to get up. Julian gets up and starts to go to sleep, but Russell points to the trunk. Julian doesn't respond, so Russell beats him until Julian says he'll go to Nora's. Russell again beats him with the switch, and Julian gets back into the trunk.

Adam's narration takes place at the door of Julian's classroom, when he tries to pick up Julian to go to Dr. Whitlock's office. When Julian isn't there, Adam returns to Dr. Whitlock and they both agree that withdrawing Julian a month before school is out doesn't make sense.

Julian’s narrative reveals how he tries to think good thoughts while he's in the trunk. He thinks about his parents and his Elian Mariner books. Russell opens the trunk and shoves a glass of water into his hand. Julian gulps it down. Russell tells Julian to shower. After Julian showers, Russell tosses a pair of sweatpants on the floor. Julian puts them on, and he gets back into the trunk. 

Julian continues to narrate his experience in the trunk. Russell lets Julian out of the trunk and sets a ham and cheese sandwich beside him as Julian is kneeling on the floor. This is the first time Julian remembers Russell making him food. Julian gags on the sandwich and pulls it to his chest. Russell rips the sandwich from his hands and throws it in the trash. Julian gets back in the trunk and experiences a lot of physical pain. Julian tries to project his thoughts and send out a message. When Russell finally opens the trunk, he says “‘Shower […] you stink’” (212). Russell sets a razor on the ledge of the bathtub and leaves. Julian hears the doorbell ring.

Adam now narrates as he and Emerald are lying underneath her blanket in bed. Adam feels antsy, and “‘it’s definitely more intense than usual’” (210). They discuss how it's been a week and they've heard nothing from Julian. Adam says he has a bad feeling about Julian withdrawing from school. He decides to drive by Julian's house.

Adam and Julian both narrate the scene where Adam comes to the door while Julian is being locked in the trunk.

Adam sees Russell's flashy car in the driveway, and he goes to Julian's front door and rings the doorbell. Russell opens the door in his wrinkled clothes, showing "several days of stubble, and dark, sweaty hair" (214).

Adam says he just wants to grab a book he loaned Julian. When Russell glares at him, Adam tries to brush past him. Russell pushes Adam outside and slams the door behind him. Adam decides just to ask for Julian’s aunt’s phone number (this is where Russell says Julian is moving) and go. Russell responds by saying since Julian has Adam's number, Julian will give it to him if he wants him to have it.

Julian now narrates Russell’s actions as he comes back to the bathroom after speaking with Adam. Russell pours cold water on Julian from the bathroom shower faucet. He tells Julian he can get out if he won't wash himself. Julian puts his pajama pants back on and gets back in the trunk.

This two-page chapter is narrated by Julian. The chapter is a flashback of him with his parents, and he is experiencing it as he is in the trunk. The flashback is blended with details of his present circumstances. Julian's father comes to the edge of his bed in the flashback, and Julian thinks his father comes because he can hear him crying. His father ignores him as usual; Julian says he can't go to sleep but that “this is different. I’m sick. I’m in pain" (217). Julian knows this time he's really in pain, but in the flashback his father insists that Julian tell him how many stars there are in the sky. Julian tells his father this time he doesn't see any stars.