Holt Mcdougal Literature Interactive Reader Grade 7 -

Why does the author have Eleanor give a “scientific” explanation for the chalk? How does this mix realism with fantasy?

Eleanor’s face softened. “Because I was scared. I’ve been alone for three decades, Leo. I forgot what my own voice sounded like. I started with whispers because I wasn’t sure anyone was listening.”

I ran upstairs and pressed the photo against the wall. “Eleanor?” I said. “Are you the one whispering?” Holt Mcdougal Literature Interactive Reader Grade 7

She stepped backward into the wall. The plaster sealed itself. The room warmed up. And the only sound left was the quiet hum of my digital clock.

I wanted to believe him. But Dad didn’t sleep in this room. I did. And at 2:17 a.m.—I knew the exact time because my digital clock glowed red—the wall didn’t creak . It whispered . Why does the author have Eleanor give a

One night, I pressed my ear to the cold surface.

I didn’t sleep for the rest of the night. “Because I was scared

The next morning, the chalk was gone. But written in the dust on my windowsill—in shaky, tiny letters—was a single word: