The Good Son

The events unfold during winter break in a contemporary setting, with snow and ice shaping the peril. The story centers on a family household in a Maine town, highlighting a period of downtime between fall and spring terms.

Rock Harbor is a quiet coastal town in Maine where Mark stays for winter break with his aunt Susan and uncle Wallace. The story juxtaposes the icy, snowbound scenes of Maine with flashbacks to Arizona, the boy's home state. The climate and geography—bridges, ponds, and a cliffside—drive the tension and set the stage for the escalating danger.

🧠 Psychopathy

Henry's behavior reveals a calculated, remorseless streak that endangers his relatives. Mark recognizes the threat but struggles to persuade adults he should be believed. The tension builds as Henry's manipulations escalate from small cruelties to a life-threatening plan.

🛡️ Protection

Susan's decision to intervene when Henry threatens Mark shows the moral weight of protecting a vulnerable family member. The climax hinges on her willingness to risk herself to save another. This theme underscores the cost of guardianship and sacrifice.

🤝 Trust and Suspicion

Mark and Susan form a wary alliance as trust is tested by Henry's lies and deception. Susan's suspicions rise after Henry reveals his capacity for violence. The revelation of Henry's true nature fractures the family trust and drives the final confrontation.