Chapter 8 returns to Clive’s perspective. There have been many periods in which he has felt haunted or tormented by “the girl,” or Alison. He imagines that she is everywhere, watching him, even in his dreams.

Clive returns again to memories of childhood and his teen years, and here the character Sara Lycott is introduced. Clive is in love with Sara from an early age, but is always scared to talk to her. His friends both encourage him to try to talk to her and tease him about his infatuation with her. Edwin tells him that one day she’ll be his, with a confidence reminiscent of Clive’s grandmother.

Edwin and Clive get drunk for the first time at age 14 at Paulette’s Place. This same year, Clive, Edwin, and their friends became fixated on boxing, and they start fighting each other in the evenings after school. One day, a neighborhood girl named Berline begs them to let her join in, and Edwin makes Clive fight her. Clive breaks Berline’s nose with his first punch. He’s furious at Edwin for creating this situation, but his anger is fleeting.