Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak explores the life of a young babysitter who discovers unsettling secrets while caring for a child. Set against the backdrop of suburban Pennsylvania, the story delves into themes of memory, imagination, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. As the protagonist, Mallory, grapples with her own past, she becomes entangled in a mystery that challenges her perceptions. This gripping narrative is perfect for fans of psychological thrillers and contemporary fiction. Readers will find themselves captivated by the twists and turns that unfold throughout the chapters, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy suspenseful storytelling.

Key Points

  • Explores the psychological tension between reality and imagination in suburban life.
  • Follows Mallory, a babysitter uncovering dark secrets about her charge's drawings.
  • Examines themes of memory, childhood, and the impact of trauma on perception.
  • Includes a gripping narrative that keeps readers engaged with unexpected twists.
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Jason Rekulak
356 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
History
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Jason Rekulak
356 pages
Language:English
Type:Short Story
History
194
/ 356
1
A few years back I was running out of money so I volunteered for a
research study at the University of Pennsylvania. The directions
brought me to the campus medical center in West Philly and a large
auditorium filled with women, all between eighteen and thirty-five
years old. There weren’t enough chairs and I was among the last to
arrive so I had to sit shivering on the floor. They had free coffee and
chocolate donuts and a big TV playing The Price Is Right, but most
everyone was looking at their phones. The vibe was a lot like the
DMV except we were all getting paid by the hour so people seemed
happy to wait all day.
A doctor in a white lab coat got up and introduced herself. She
said her name was Susan or Stacey or Samantha and she was a
fellow in the Clinical Research program. She read all the usual
disclaimers and warnings, and reminded us that compensation
would be issued in the form of Amazon gift cards, not checks or
cash. A couple people grumbled, but I didn’t care; I had a boyfriend
who bought gift cards off me for eighty cents on the dollar, so I was
all set.
Every few minutes, Susan (I think it was Susan?) called a name
from her clipboard and one of us would leave the room. No one ever
came back. Pretty soon there were plenty of open seats, but I stayed
on the floor because I didn’t think I could move without throwing up.
My body ached and I had the chills. But eventually word got around
that they weren’t prescreening people—which is to say, no one was
going to test my urine or take my pulse or do anything that might
disqualify me—so I popped a 40 in my mouth and sucked until the
waxy yellow coating came off. Then I spat it back in my palm,
/ 356
End of Document
194

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Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 1
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“We see a woman painting a picture of the hot-air balloon. Let’s
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — guessing it’s summer, or maybe we’re in a warmer climate.”
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — “There’s a girl nearby, playing with toys. Possibly Anya’s
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — “Then along comes a white rabbit.”
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — “The little girl is intrigued. She’s playing with a stuffed rabbit, but
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — “So she follows the rabbit down into a valley…”
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 52
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Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 57
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — “But Anya’s too late. The angel won’t give her back.”
“Time passes. It’s nighttime. Anya’s easel is abandoned.”
“A man arrives in the forest, carrying tools. They look like a pick
“The man drags Anya’s body through the forest…”
“He uses his shovel to dig a hole…”
“And then he buries the body.”
I took Spanish in high school and I had friends who took French
“The Xs,” I tell Adrian. “They’re not
“Where?”
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 67
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 68
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 69
And as I look upon the woman and child, I can feel Margit’s grief
Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak — Figure 71

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FAQs

What experiment does Mallory Quinn participate in at the university?
Mallory Quinn participates in a gaze detection experiment at the University of Pennsylvania. During the experiment, she is blindfolded and asked to raise her hand whenever she feels the 'male gaze' on her body from a group of men in the room. This task is repeated multiple times, and she reports her observations with high accuracy.
How does Mallory describe the feeling of being observed during the experiment?
Mallory describes the sensation of being observed as a 'fluttery feeling on the periphery of my attention,' akin to a 'spidey sense.' She also mentions that sometimes she hears a high-pitched sound, similar to a mosquito buzzing close to her ear, which adds to her awareness of being watched.
What does Mallory regret after her experience with the experiment?
Mallory expresses numerous regrets after her experience with the experiment, particularly regarding her decision to trade her iPhone for drugs, which left her unable to be contacted by the researcher. She reflects on her past drug use and the false memories created during that time, indicating a deep sense of loss and a desire to reconnect with her past.
Who is Russell and what role does he play in Mallory's recovery?
Russell is Mallory's sponsor in her recovery journey. He has a background as a former athlete and coach, having been involved in the Olympics and NCAA championships. He encourages Mallory to train again, referring to it as 'running to recovery,' and helps her create a structured workout plan while also guiding her towards making positive life changes.
What job opportunity does Russell arrange for Mallory?
Russell arranges a job interview for Mallory with Ted and Caroline Maxwell, who are looking for a nanny for their five-year-old son, Teddy. The Maxwells have recently moved back from Barcelona, and the position could provide Mallory with a fresh start in a new environment, away from her past.
What does Mallory do for work while living in recovery?
While living in recovery, Mallory works as a teacher's aide at Aunt Becky's Childcare Academy. In this role, she cares for young children aged two to five, engaging in activities like changing diapers and providing snacks, while also maintaining a routine that includes exercise and attending recovery meetings.
How does Mallory feel about her past drug use and its impact on her memories?
Mallory acknowledges that her past drug use has distorted her memories, leading to false recollections about events such as the gaze detection experiment. She grapples with the realization that her brain has become unreliable, complicating her recovery and making it difficult to trust her own memories.

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