Anne Sharrock Buchanan and her husband, James, welcome Nikki into their home, which the latter thinks is too crowded with both things and children. Nikki is introduced to the other children: Grace, Michael, Kendall, and Brad. Kendall shows her to her room, chattering all the way, while Nikki is silent through it all.

Nikki examines the door of her room and is relieved to find it missing both a keyhole and a lock.

Nikki meets the family dog, Clancy, the next day. Clancy is a huge, friendly collie, and Nikki is sure they “would get along just fine” (45).