Chapter Fifteen and Chapter Sixteen Summary

In Chapter Fifteen, on December 1st, Alex awakes to find the apartment below freezing and he realizes that the furnace has run out of heating oil. He plans around the problem, as always, and knows if they layer the blankets and use the electricity as often as possible, they can survive for a few more weeks. After standing in the food line Friday, Kevin explains he and his family have heat, as they have been moved to a designated residential unit, a type of home for essential personnel. The boys discuss what they miss the most, and while Kevin misses television, Alex notes he misses family.

On Saturday, the family is shocked to find nearly six inches of snow on the ground, and the beginnings of sleet. Alex immediately knows this makes making it to...