Marrowbone

Summary

In the secluded countryside stands an old, mysterious house called Meadowbone, which had been abandoned for years. This eerie, yet captivating residence becomes a new home for Rose Meadowbone and her four children—Jack, Jane, Billy, and Sam—who arrive with a haunting fear in their eyes, hinting at a dark past they are trying to escape.

Little Sam, worried about the threats from their past, asks his mother if "he" will come after them. Rose reassures him with a gentle, yet firm promise that they are safe here and will find happiness in their new home. Seeking a semblance of normalcy, the family ventures into the nearby village, where they meet Ellie, a kind and spirited local girl who quickly befriends them. Ellie introduces them to the village and takes them on delightful trips to the beach, bringing brief moments of joy and distraction from their worries.

However, their brief respite is shattered as Rose's health begins to deteriorate rapidly. On her deathbed, she calls her eldest son, Jack, and entrusts him with the responsibility of caring for his siblings. She imparts a dire secret: they must keep her death a secret until Jack turns 21, as the law requires a guardian of legal age. Jack, not yet 21, promises to uphold his mother’s wishes. In a solemn and private ceremony, the children bury Rose, vowing to stay together and protect one another.

Life seems to regain a semblance of normalcy until one fateful day when Jane is attacked in their home. A bullet shatters the window, narrowly missing her. The family is thrown into chaos, their fears reignited. Jack's protective instincts kick in, but the assailant's identity remains a mystery. The incident leaves the siblings on edge, constantly looking over their shoulders.