The thoughts run rampart with this chapter. Every one knows there is something wrong, but people are stubborn. Part of me wonders is Noel is going to see himself as the problem and remove himself from the premises. I some what recall there being an empty apartment in the same building that is there in case Noel's folks wanted to stop by. What if Noel were to move into the apartment or at least start using it to study and practice piano? It makes me wonder if Noel were to withdraw his presence as much as possible would D even notice, since he seems busy avoiding Noel? I don't see Noel doing anything intentionally stupid because he knows that there is still the possibility of danger, but I do see him looking for space to think about things and figure out how he wants to move forward. I suspect they both have some painful times ahead of them and they are going to learns some things the hard way. Thank you for making me think and suppose on this into the wee hours of the night.