Little Stranger

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of ableism, gender discrimination, and sexual content.

Olivia, exhausted after weeks of weeping and little sleep, prepares for her wedding. She dwells on how much she misses Malachi as she begs Jennifer not to force her to marry Xander, who seeks to control her appearance. Molly, Olivia’s younger sister, echoes Olivia’s dislike of Xander, but Jennifer claims that her “hands are tied” (185). With an agreement already signed, Olivia cannot get out of the marriage.

Seeking to hurt Jennifer, Olivia explains that she was with Malachi sexually during her several days’ absence and insists that she has no regrets. She tells Jennifer she is in love with Malachi, as he is the “only one who ever protected [her]” (187). Molly, despite feeling she should be “totally grossed out” (187), finds this romantic.

Jamieson enters and asks for Olivia’s true reason for not wanting to marry Xander. He seems unsurprised by her admission of her feelings for Malachi. Jamieson promises to protect her from Xander and vows to stop Jennifer from exerting the same control over Molly as she did over Olivia. Olivia plans to marry Xander but then seek a divorce to best protect her family.