Chapter XXXI unfolds in a whirlwind of tension and emotion as the narrator searches desperately for a silver happy birthday pen amidst the overwhelming chaos surrounding them. The pen, a seemingly small object, is nowhere to be found, amplifying the sense of urgency and dread. In the back bedroom, Will Junior is locked in a heated argument with Carlene, who yells at him for disturbing her blankets. The narrator’s anxiety heightens as they catch sight of two police officers approaching the trailer through the rain, a sight that instantly sends a ripple of fear through the room. With the threat of the officers drawing nearer, the family reacts quickly, locking the front door and pushing a chair against it, hoping to buy enough time to figure out an escape route.

As the narrator rushes through the trailer, their mind races, and they find Fish in the bathroom, clearly struggling emotionally with the unfolding events. Bobbi is frantically searching through the washer and dryer, perhaps looking for something to distract herself from the mounting tension. Eventually, Fish joins the narrator and Bobbi in Carlene’s bedroom, but their attempt to regroup is disrupted by Carlene, whose behavior grows increasingly erratic as she screams for help. To silence her, Bobbi tries using Bubble Tape gum, but Carlene’s response is violent, flailing her limbs and kicking in resistance. The narrator, trying to regain some sense of control over the situation, grabs the missing pen from Will, using it to draw a face on Carlene’s foot as a way to distract her while also trying to find out where their missing brother, Samson, has gone.

Despite Carlene’s defiance and the chaos around them, the narrator remains focused on uncovering Samson’s whereabouts. The urgency of the moment becomes even more apparent when a voice, presumably Samson’s, rings out in the narrator’s mind, saying he is “in the wall.” The police continue banging on the door, adding to the pressure and urgency, but the narrator spots something that might provide an escape. They notice uneven panels in the wall and, after some effort, manage to pry one open, revealing a hidden space behind it. The discovery of this secret space brings both relief and frustration, as the tension reaches its peak.

Inside the hidden space, the narrator finds Samson, completely unaware of the chaos unfolding around him. He is sitting among clutter, happily drawing on himself with a pen, lost in his own world. The chaotic scribbles he’s created with the pen are a colorful and noisy reflection of his thoughts, bringing a sense of randomness and joy to the otherwise tense moment. The narrator, overwhelmed by the sight of Samson and relieved to have found him, embraces him tightly, feeling a deep sense of comfort. However, this brief moment of peace is shattered when Carlene reappears in the doorway, holding a broom and looking ready to lash out. The sudden shift in energy, from relief to tension, underscores the unpredictable nature of Carlene’s behavior and the precariousness of their situation.

The chapter captures the emotional rollercoaster of the family’s ordeal, filled with fear, confusion, and the desperate need to protect each other. Carlene’s unpredictable actions add a layer of complexity, making it even harder for the family to find any sense of peace or unity. The narrator’s determination to reunite with Samson, despite the chaos and obstacles in their path, speaks to the deep bond that holds the family together. The presence of the police officers outside and Carlene’s erratic behavior only serve to heighten the stakes, creating a constant sense of urgency. As the chapter draws to a close, the family’s resilience in the face of such overwhelming circumstances stands out, emphasizing the importance of staying united and protecting one another, no matter what challenges they face.