Hide and Seeker

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of mental illness, illness, and death.

Playing for their lives now, the kids dump out all the supplies from their backpacks to use as weapons. A lightning storm crackles in the sky, announcing that the Seeker has arrived.

Not-Mom calls for Justin. She stands in the backyard, beckoning him to stay with her. She says that the Seeker can heal her and bring her back. Other fears, like Shae’s dolls, come to life and move toward them. Finally, the Seeker appears in its monstrous form, with scaly skin, wings, and claws. It officially starts the game of hide-and-seek.

Everyone races to hiding spots as the game begins. Justin is confronted by Not-Mom, who pleads for him to stay. Meanwhile, Mary is attacked by rat-snakes. Justin tries to help her, but all their fears converge, turning the backyard into chaos. Giant bugs erupt, needles fly through the air, and giant spiders—Duke’s worst fear—trap some of them in sticky webs.

Not-Mom transforms into Justin’s healthy, loving mother, promising that he can stay with her this way. Justin is tempted, but Nia knocks into him, breaking the spell.