On Monday, Alec reports to the Homework Room. He has to work on homework only, and if he runs out of homework, he must be studying. They have two 10-minute breaks for the restroom and snacks.

Alec sits and gets right to work. He starts with science because it’s his least favorite. He finishes science and gets halfway through his math homework by the first break. He let Nina know earlier in the day about his time in the Homework Room and had her prepared to give Kent the next Hatchet book. He only has two days left in the Losers Club. Nina says the club will be fine, but Alec still goes to check on them during his break.

He notices a new boy sitting at the quiet table with Kent, Nina, and the others. He wants to approach but he doesn’t have much time. He sees Kent say something to Nina that makes her smile and he worries about how he and Nina will proceed after his time in the Homework Room.

During his second break, Alec returns to the gym again. This time he sees Mrs. Case. He mentions to her that he’s in the Homework Room, which she has already noticed.