Chapter 4, ...and its Aftermath, sections 1-2 Summary and Analysis

Helen is disoriented, pinned against the dashboard. Ade and another man free her, dislodging the weight at her back. The driver of the other car, his bloodied spouse nearby, is in a state of near panic, fearful that he will be sent to jail. Helen fades in and out of consciousness. The Hoovers spend the night with the Petersons. After a short nap, Helen finds that her knees are injured. Ade complains of a pain in his chest. Helen marvels at the way the locals have rallied around she and her husband in their time of need

Ade is examined by a doctor while Helen joins the other driver, George Wilson, in giving an accident report to the sheriff. The sheriff decides that no one is at fault. Ade is diagnosed...