Summary

Chapter 22. With this chapter, the narrative returns to its present – specifically, its description of the departure of Samuel and Claire from their home. At a brief pause in the journey, Claire gets out of the car and attempts to hide in the nearby woods. Samuel attempts to retrieve her, but is grabbed by security personnel in charge of ensuring the quarantine is followed. As he is pushed back into his car, Samuel watches as Claire is put into the back of a truck with other adults trying to stay. He tries again to retrieve her, but is pushed back into his car and signaled to drive on. He sees the truck driving in another direction.

Chapter 23. Samuel drives northwards, discovering that the more rural roads are empty, while the highways have more traffic. He also notices there are no road signs: they...