Chapter 8 Summary

Albertine is fifteen years old, traveling alone for the first time alone, on a bus to Fargo. She is running away from home. In her arms, she clutches a bundle of clothing tied together with a sweater. Inside the bus depot, the bucket seats are full of vacant-eyed people waiting for their layover to end and for the next bus to arrive. Albertine sits down, frowning and trying to fit in, but anxiety seizes her. She gets up to go to the bathroom. The water she splashes on her face doesn't alleviate her indecision. Now that she has arrived, Albertine has no idea what to do in this city.

Sitting in the lobby again, Albertine looks up and notices a Chippewa man near the doorway. He is handsome with closely cropped dark hair, and he wears an army-green jacket. When he steps out...