The Institute

Kalisha introduces Luke to the other Front Half children: Iris Stanhope is tall and thin; George Iles is energetic and talkative; and Nicky Wilholm is a fighter who resists authority, with the black eyes and bruises to prove it. Nicky challenges Luke to a game of chess, which the latter wins in four moves.

The other children give Luke more information on what happens at the Institute: They get tests and shots that make them see floating lights—dots called “Stasi Lights.” Those who cooperate receive tokens to buy treats—including alcohol and cigarettes. Luke reflects on addiction (to alcohol and cigarettes) being an effective way to keep the children compliant.

The other children tell Luke that after about three weeks, Front Half residents are moved to Back Half. The staff promises that after a few weeks in Back Half, the children’s memories of the Institute will be erased and they will be sent home to their families—but no one believes it.

The Institute’s Administrator, Julia Sigsby, and Security Chief Trevor Stackhouse observe the children via security system. Mrs. Sigsby is amused by the children’s guesswork, likening it to William Golding’s Lord of the Flies.