Children of Silence, Chapters 6, 7 and 8 Summary

Howard leaves the farm to fight in World War II, which leaves Loretta and her children at the mercy of the domineering Mrs. Wendall. Amazingly, Loretta does not really miss Howard who has become sullen and unresponsive and not much of a husband. Loretta has a third child, a girl she names Betty, making Loretta a young woman burdened with the cares of raising children alone even though she is married.

Loretta's real concerns are her children, especially Jules, who is prone to running away without regard for anyone's concern for him. One night in particular, Loretta is frantic to find Jules and ultimately discovers him in an almost catatonic state, having witnessed the dead bodies in a local plane crash. Jules also discovers the power of fire during this time and burns down a...