As a child, Melanie was very close to her father. When Justin entered the cursed locked room after the family lottery was held, Melanie followed him. The next morning, the family discovered Melanie cradling Justin's body. The family knew Justin would never be the same, but everyone assumed Melanie was unharmed. The next night, however, Melanie went to the locked room after dinner, where Quentin discovered her. When Quentin spoke to her, Melanie had no idea who he was. Melanie continued to have these attacks (1203).