Credence nods, listening raptly. Of course, it makes sense. He can't quite remember all the details, but he vaguely recalls starting a fire on the wood stove when he was just a child. He certainly recalls the bruises he'd received because of it.

It makes sense that she'd known. Maybe Mary Lou had even known before deciding to adopt him. What confuses Credence is the why. Why keep him as a proverbial and literal whipping boy if she wanted all of their (his?) kind eradicated?

He's mulling this over, face pinched in concentration. "Miss Tina told me about Rappaport," He confesses, still looking determined to sort out his thoughts. "Why?"