Summary

Maddie lays outside in the grass and thinks about her relationship with God and how she can feel alone when she is surrounded by so many living things. She has been alone now for two years and has not seen another person since the looters left town. Maddie heads into town with George and walks past the French bakery, guitar shop, and outdoor ice-skating rink she used to frequent. She can smell the warm kettle corn she used to enjoy during town fairs with her father. Maddie has continued scavenging for food in neighbor’s gardens and grocery stores, but she worries as supplies seem to be running out. Each day she grows more concerned about what will happen if food and water supplies continue to dwindle.

After a few days of scorching weather, a wildfire breaks out. Maddie and George flee down...