Summary

The chapter opens with a boy, who will later be identified as Cole Hale, watching as his family’s cows are repossessed from their farm. He runs out of his house and through the property, eventually stopping to cry.

Cole’s father, Calvin, is losing his farm due to economic downturn and hardship. Calvin is a huge, imposing man with a short temper and drinking habit, which is made worse and more desperate by his worsening circumstances. Cole’s mother is also wracked with anxiety, and it is taking an immense toll on Cole and his older brothers, Wade and Eddy.

One morning, Mrs. Lawton and Travis Lawton Jr. come to visit the Hale’s. The women have a private conversation inside the house while Cole and Travis Jr. walk down to a nearby creek. Cole privately reminisces about more comfortable...