Everyone Is Watching

Content Warning: This section of the guide discusses sexual assault, abusive relationships, violence against children, gun violence, and death by suicide.

User MatthewSwimBikeRun passively watches a popular reality show called One Lucky Winner. The comment section next to the stream shows viewers debating if the show is real and the risk of someone dying during production. Matthew is shocked when he sees the host holding a gun. She offers the contestant the option to “speak or shoot” (12). One participant chooses to shoot, points the gun at his own head, then at the camera. To Matthew, it looks as if it is pointing at him. When the gun fires, the livestream goes blank, leaving commenters debating what happened.

The livestream then resumes briefly, at an angle as if the camera has fallen. A pool of red liquid spreads across the floor. None of the contestants are visible. Matthew wonders, “[W]hat the hell kind of game was One Lucky Winner and why was it worth killing for?” (13).

The narrative flashes back in time.

Maire Hennessy drives across Iowa after dropping off her daughters and their dog at their grandmother’s house. Dani, 10 years old, and Keely, 12, dislike the prospect of spending two weeks with their grandmother, even when Maire explains she is participating in a contest that will earn her a lot of money if she wins and exposure for her jewelry line even if she loses.