17.5

Worm, Chapter 17.5 Summary

Krouse, a block away from the house, encounters Cody, who’s demeanor, coupled with the crowbar in his hand, seems threatening. Despite his injuries, Krouse learns that Noelle’s condition has slightly worsened, and Marissa had a “bad spell.” Cody, seemingly indifferent to Krouse’s injuries, reveals that the Simurgh’s influence has been bringing up memories of Krouse’s past pranks, particularly one that interfered with Cody’s online gaming and potential sponsorship.

Despite Krouse’s attempts to dismiss the memories as the Simurgh’s manipulation, Cody expresses his resentment, stating he’d rather see the Simurgh win than Krouse emerge as a hero. Cody mentions that while the Simurgh’s influence has deeply affected others, Krouse seems relatively fine. Krouse, however, insists he’s not okay but refuses to disclose the details.

Inside the house, they find Oliver, Jess, Luke, and Marissa looking worse for wear. Noelle’s condition remains critical. Krouse reveals that he encountered heroes who indicated the fight with the Simurgh was nearing its end. He also presents a metal briefcase he found, containing instructions and materials for gaining superpowers, a discovery met with mixed reactions.

Jess, familiar with the superhero scene, expresses strong opposition to using the contents of the case, suggesting it could be a trap or have permanent, life-altering consequences. She argues that given their current mental state under the Simurgh’s influence, using the substances could be dangerous. Despite Krouse’s argument that the substances are presented as commercially available, Jess remains unconvinced, hinting at a deeper, undisclosed concern.

Krouse, trying to navigate the situation, proposes they examine the contents of the case to determine their nature and potential value. He emphasizes that his priority is Noelle’s well-being, not the acquisition of superpowers. Jess, however, fears that examining the materials will lead to the decision to use them, and she’s unwilling to risk it.

A compromise is reached: Jess will hand over the documents from the case for examination, while retaining the case itself until a unanimous decision is made. Cody, reading the documents, discovers that the substances are expensive and require physical and psychological tests, raising further concerns about their use under the Simurgh’s influence.

Cody also finds a passage suggesting the substances could potentially help with cerebral palsy, leading to speculation that they might help Noelle. Jess, however, firmly rejects this idea, revealing her knowledge of the Simurgh’s long-term manipulations. She explains that the Simurgh’s victims often experience delayed consequences, such as personal breakdowns or actions that lead to larger disasters.

Jess argues that the briefcase is likely a part of the Simurgh’s plan, a “cause and effect” trap designed to exploit their situation. She believes that using the substances will only amplify the negative outcomes the Simurgh has foreseen. Despite the others’ skepticism, Jess maintains that their best course of action is to avoid using the substances, as any action they take under the Simurgh’s influence is likely to lead to the worst-case scenario.

As the screaming in their heads finally subsides, indicating the end of the Simurgh’s attack, Jess breaks down in tears, overwhelmed by the implications of their situation. Krouse, unable to offer genuine reassurance, attempts to lighten the mood with a forced joke, which surprisingly works to some extent.

In the ensuing silence, Krouse reflects on the possibility that they might not be the Simurgh’s primary targets, and that their ordeal might simply be a byproduct of her larger plan. However, he struggles to convince himself of this optimistic scenario, aware of the grim reality Jess has presented.