This Is Where It Ends

Chapter 4 covers from 10:05-10:07 a.m. Tomas wonders why it’s so quiet and the hallways are empty then hears “two loud cracks tear through the air” (33). He knows he has to help his sister, Sylv. In the auditorium, Tyler Browne opens fire. Many students and teachers, including Principal Trenton and the librarian, are killed. “Tyler is back” (34), Sylva thinks to herself numerous times, raising the question of what happened in the past between Sylv and Tyler. Meanwhile, Autumn remembers tender moments with her brother, Tyler, the shooter: “Once, he caught Dad’s belt on his bare arm to stop it from coming down on me” (42).

Meanwhile, when Claire and the track team hear shots outside, the track coach comically stares at the track gun like it went off by itself. Claire delegates to her fellow track teammates. Despite the school being state of the art, and only five years old, they discuss getting to a nearby payphone. Claire and Chris run towards the local gas station for help. The chapter concludes with Tyler firing a shot into the ceiling, and saying: “Please stay where you are” (43).