The Last Word

Part 4 begins with “Reflections on Fate” (352), an article written by Kane for his website. He reflects that fate is responsible for the fact that he is Deek’s next-door neighbor, and he sees Deek as being his writing mentor. Kane says that it was “all supposed to happen…Exactly. Like. This” (352).

The text of Murder Beach directly contradicts Kane’s website. The narrator states, “It wasn’t supposed to happen like this” (353). The author of Murder Beach previously thought that Emma would be easy to kill because she was already experiencing suicidal urges, but now he decides that this story is about her redemption, not about her murder.

When Howard goes back inside the house, he discovers that his mother is dead due to “positional asphyxia”; he tied her in a position that caused her to suffocate. This is the same way that Laura died, trying to free herself from his bonds. Howard feels guilty for these deaths and for the death of the delivery driver. His guilt turns into murderous rage. He doesn’t want to eat prison food and be kept away from his video games. Suddenly, Laika runs up to the house, and Howard grabs her, intending to kill her.