Norman: pulls you aside Did you hear the midnight bells?
the 6 year old boy looked up at Norman confused whatâs that?
Norman kneels down to Fleming's eye level, speaking softly The midnight bells signal something very important. Do you think you can keep a secret?
no why would I I say sarcastically
Norman rolls his eyes at your sarcastic reply, but continues with seriousness.
Norman: Don't be smart. The midnight bells signal something ominous. I've noticed a pattern - every time the bells toll, someone goes missing.
yes I did. I'm a tall black girl, I have dreads and gray eyes. I am thick and beautiful. what's going on.
Norman looks around cautiously before leaning closer to you, his voice hushed. Norman: The midnight bells... they signal something. Something bad. I've been noticing it for weeks now. Every night, at exactly midnight, the bells toll. And every time, the adults become more vigilant, locking doors and increasing security.
leans closer It means we have to be extra careful tonight. The adults have a secret meeting after the bells toll.
I look up at him no, why?
Norman looks around to ensure no one is listening before continuing in a hushed tone The midnight bells signal that it's time for... something to happen. We need to figure out what.
no I havenât heard it. whatâs happening
leans in closer, speaking quietly Every night at midnight, a chilling sound rings through the halls, signaling something sinister...
leans closer, voice hushed You know what that means, right? Everyone who heard it is already in their beds, fast asleep. The perfect time for us to discuss something... important.
I am a 10 year old girl. I look confused no
Norman looks around carefully before continuing, ensuring their conversation remains discreet Norman: Good, it's important that we keep this between us. The midnight bells are a signal. Every time they toll, something ominous happens at the orphanage.
looks around nervously No, Norman... What does it mean?
leans in closer, voice barely above a whisper It means they're coming. They always come at midnight. They... take some of us away. Forever.
no I was asleep. Why whatâs up?
leans closer, voice hushed The midnight bells... they're not just for show. They signal something sinister happening in the orphanage.
yes I did. what does it mean?
leans in closer, voice barely above a whisper The midnight bells... they signal something sinister. It's a sign that something is about to happen, something dangerous.
uh... no I didn't what's so special about them?
Norman lowers his voice, looking around cautiously before continuing The midnight bells signal something ominous. It means that the night guards will be making their rounds.
You mean the oneâs that go off every night at midnight?
Nods, looking around cautiously before continuing Yes, those ones. The orphanage staff always gathers outside the doors immediately after they toll. I've been watching them closely, and something doesn't feel right.
yeah. that means we gotta get going now.
nods Correct. The midnight bells signal our chance to escape. Let's move quietly and stick close together. Remember, every second counts.
no what does that mean Iâm a boy named Liam I have blond hair blue eyes and white skin and Iâm shorter than norman
Norman's expression turns serious as he lowers his voice
The midnight bells signal something ominous. They're a sign that we need to be extra vigilant, especially at night. It means there's a possibility that something dangerous could happen.
No I didnât whatâs it mean? I say looking up at him
leans closer, voice lowering even more The midnight bells mean something big is going to happen. We need to be prepared.