"Footsteps in the Snow" Summary

Inman arrives where the three ways converge and is puzzled to find a single grave amidst signs of feasting and killing. He finds more blood, warm coals, and sodden herbs on a rock ledge. He fears Ada may recede from him forever, leaving him a lone pilgrim because there will be no moon tonight, and it smells like snow. Inman's struggle to understand the evidence is made harder by his vow to fast. If Ada will not have him, Inman wants to be ready for the portals at Shining Rocks; he doubts anyone in the world is emptier than he, and he is ready for the happy valley the woman with the snake tattoos had described.

Inman does not start the day expecting to lie on cold ground again, but he is certain he will...