I Was a Teenage Slasher

Instead of walking home from the grain elevator, Tolly goes to Amber’s house. He is unable to remember the particulars of his movement, which he blames on Justin’s blood infecting his brain. He apologizes to Shannon and Lesley, hoping they can remember him as a face in the bleachers rather than as a slasher.

Tolly wakes up in Amber’s family barn and is brought into the house for breakfast by Amber’s dad. Amber’s mom treats Tolly’s head wound. Amber arrives reading an encyclopedia, which amazes Tolly since Amber has never been much of a reader. He suspects that Amber is trying to firm up her college plans. Amber nearly steps on an ailing baby bird, which she tends to immediately. She offers to take Tolly home. Tolly asks to show her something.

Going in the direction of the Fireworks Camper, Tolly suggests running away from Lamesa. Amber expresses her concern about finishing high school. When Tolly challenges her newfound sense of responsibility, she insists that she will look after the baby bird. She holds back on cussing, which Tolly finds uncharacteristic of her.

Tolly asks Amber to explain whether Justin had any agency as a slasher. Amber explains the slasher’s motive of revenge, driving him to kill whether he was in control of himself or not.