Spilled Milk: Based on a True Story

While awaiting Earl’s sentence, Brooke is encouraged to write and gather victim statements to urge the judge to make Earl’s sentence as long as possible. Brooke’s own victim statement details why she believes she was robbed of a healthy childhood and proper love from a father, as were her siblings. She reiterates realizing that her home life was abnormal when she met Paul, and Gina in particular. Brooke reflects on how different her family is now; they are at ease. Jason checks on Brooke, having forgiven her after their argument, and she thinks about how he has been a “steady and consistent presence” (285) in her life.

On the day of Earl’s sentencing, he is sentenced to the maximum of 16 years in prison, and Brooke and her supporters celebrate the victory. Heather gives Brooke a victim statement from a family member whom she does not recognize and is shocked to read that he was forced into sexual acts by Earl when he babysat for Brooke and Adam when they were young. The person told one other, who warned him to never repeat the information lest he bring shame on the family.