The next morning, the chalk was gone. But written in the dust on my windowsill—in shaky, tiny letters—was a single word:
Who or what wrote “TRAPPED”? List two possible explanations—one realistic and one imaginative. My heart hammered. I wasn’t scared. I was seen . Someone—something—knew I was here. For the first time since we moved to this gray city, I didn’t feel invisible.
She sighed dramatically. “The chalk broke the loop. For five minutes. So hurry—ask me something important.”
“Of course I’m real,” she snapped. “I’ve been stuck between the walls for thirty years because of a time-rift. It happened when the building was built. Every time I try to leave, I end up back in 1994. But you—you wrote in chalk . Chalk is made of calcium carbonate. It disrupts temporal energy.” Holt Mcdougal Literature Interactive Reader Grade 7
Why does the author have Eleanor give a “scientific” explanation for the chalk? How does this mix realism with fantasy?
Do you think Leo will try to pull Eleanor back? Would you? Why or why not? That night, at 2:17 a.m., I didn’t hear a whisper.
Sketch a small picture of Leo pressing his ear to the wall. What expression is on his face? Add two adjectives to describe the setting. The next day at school, I told my best friend, Maya, about it during lunch. The next morning, the chalk was gone
I wanted to believe him. But Dad didn’t sleep in this room. I did. And at 2:17 a.m.—I knew the exact time because my digital clock glowed red—the wall didn’t creak . It whispered .
Do you agree with Leo’s dad? Is the wall just “old,” or is there something more? Why might Leo think differently?
The room went cold. Then, the wall began to glow—a soft, silvery light, like moonlight through water. The plaster rippled, and a hand reached out. Not a ghost hand. A real one. Warm. With chipped blue nail polish. My heart hammered
“That’s ridiculous,” I said. But secretly, I loved that idea.
Have you ever felt lonely in a new place? Describe a time you wanted someone—anyone—to notice you.