20.1

Worm, Chapter 20.1 Summary:

Taylor starts her day, multitasking with her powers while performing mundane tasks like brushing her teeth and getting dressed. Her mind races, juggling countless details, tracking movements within a thousand-foot radius, and managing her territory. She prioritizes tasks, knowing she can’t do everything.

She prepares breakfast for her dad, deliberately shifting her focus to him. He questions her attire, as she’s dressed for a run, not school. Taylor reveals she won’t be returning to school, disappointing her dad, who suggests that with recent events, it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. Taylor admits she would go if he asked, but it’s not what she wants. Her dad asks what she’ll do instead, and Taylor says she’ll continue cleanup work, which pays well. He expresses concern, knowing it’s hard work, and mentions their expectation that she’d go to college. Taylor promises to graduate, but wants to study online for a year.

Her dad, looking older and wearier, doesn’t push, respecting her decision. He reflects on parenthood and the inevitable moment when a child realizes their parents aren’t all-powerful. He recalls a conversation where Taylor asserted her independence. He kisses her hand, expressing a wish that she never has to hear similar words from her own child.

Taylor says she wants to work on the Boardwalk, citing good pay, food, and safety. Her dad notes it’s close to the local supervillain, but doesn’t argue. They agree to meet for lunch. Taylor gives him her cell number, and he seems momentarily sad before perking up, realizing she needs it to stay in touch with others.

Taylor prepares to leave, gathering pepper spray and a knife. Her dad avoids looking as she gears up. She steps outside into the oppressive heat, checks her messages, and finds coded messages from Charlotte about trouble and school. Taylor heads to her base through a storm drain, using bugs to conceal herself.

She finds Charlotte with a new girl and several children. Butterflies land on the children’s hands as a distraction. Taylor changes into her costume, considering the need for a lighter summer version. She learns about two Fallen villains in Imp’s territory, prompting Haven to send capes. Taylor had tried to find the Fallen but failed.

The Ambassadors are interested in joining the alliance, which could be beneficial, but their Thinker leader is disliked by Tattletale. The Teeth are also encroaching on Parian’s territory, but Parian hasn’t asked for help.

Charlotte introduces the new girl, Fern, who was blindfolded on the way. Forrest, Charlotte’s nominee for Taylor’s second-in-command, is also present. Taylor asks about urgent issues and learns about thugs causing trouble up north, who were caught by her people. Garbage is piling up on Shale Avenue, and a bad batch of vegetables meant a planned meal couldn’t be made.

Taylor decides to order pizza for everyone and asks Forrest to see the kids off to the school bus. She talks to Charlotte about Fern, who hasn’t been vetted by Tattletale. Taylor stresses the importance of vetting. She asks Charlotte if she needs anything as thanks, and Charlotte mentions candy for the kids as a treat.

Taylor tidies up, noticing a wet bed. She decides to clean the mattress. Forrest returns, and they go to check on the captured thugs. The Boardwalk and the Docks are being rebuilt, and people stop to watch as Taylor passes.

Forrest explains the attackers were from the Chosen, but not full members. The family they attacked is scared but mostly unharmed. Taylor confronts the thugs, who are being held in makeshift cells. A Japanese couple, victims of the thugs, are also present. The man asks for leniency for the thugs, citing Christian mercy. One thug is defiant, insulting the couple.

Taylor can’t release them, as it would send the wrong message. The couple suggests a citizen’s arrest, but Taylor worries they might go free. She orders the cells opened and tells the thugs to turn themselves in at a nearby police station. They mock her, but she has planted bullet ants on them.

The thugs leave, and Taylor uses the ants to inflict severe pain on them, as a lesson. She tells them to turn themselves in, or the pain will continue. They run towards the police station. The Japanese man confronts Taylor about her lack of leniency. Taylor, unable to fully explain her reasons without undermining her authority, simply says she was lenient.

Taylor returns to her lair, changes out of her costume, and prepares for her work shift. She has coordinated with Lisa and Grue, who are meeting with an Ambassador. She’s also arranged for garbage cleanup, pizza orders, and additional food supplies. A swarm-clone of Skitter appears on a rooftop to reassure her people.

Taylor cleans Jessie’s wet mattress, then gets a message from Charlotte about someone in her class who might be “big Eric” (big trouble). He’s an old classmate of Taylor’s, asking about her, insistent and loud, and wouldn’t believe Taylor wasn’t at school. Charlotte thinks he wants to talk to Skitter, not Taylor.