Summary

Chapter 8

Aaron attacks Todd once again. He says that he wants "the sign," which Todd assumes is the girl. She runs off, causing Aaron to release Todd and chase after her. Todd goes after Aaron, but he’s already captured the girl. Todd tries to fight him once again, but Aaron overpowers him and pushes him into the river. Todd is able to grab a rock and strike Aaron several times. While Aaron is dazed and bleeding by the side of the river, Todd frees the girl and debates whether or not he should kill Aaron. He decides against it, calling himself a coward for showing Aaron mercy.

Chapter 9

Todd and the girl go deeper into the swamp and set up camp. Todd keeps trying to communicate with her, but she doesn’t respond to anything he says. While he’s reading the...