Chapter 21

Holden finally reaches home. He sneaks his way in by lying to the new elevator guy. Once inside, he goes to Phoebe’s room and discovers that there is no one there. He recalls that Phoebe often sleeps in D.B.’s room, and heads there. He sees Phoebe sleeping and admires her innocence. Before waking her up he sifts through her notebooks, deriving pleasure from her writings and sketches. Phoebe wakes up and is delighted to see him. She tells him what has been happening in her life: the play she is a part of and the movie she recently watched. She also tells him that their parents are out, and Holden feels reassured by this.

Phoebe realizes that Holden is home early and guesses that he has been thrown out of his school. Holden eventually admits as much, and Phoebe starts crying, fearing that their father would kill him. Holden comforts her and says he will go to work in a ranch in Colorado.

This chapter reveals the beautiful bond Holden shares with Phoebe. He loves his sister and is kind and tender toward her. The reader sees a different side of his character.