Part 1: Chapters 3 through 5 Summary

Ish is suddenly aware that a simple injury that would have been easily treatable by doctors before the virus could now be fatal. He worries continually as he prepares for his trip. He finds a serviceable station wagon and is loading it with supplies when he encounters a dog. This one doesn't seem on the verge of reverting to the pack mentality but rubs against his legs and seems to beg to be petted. He tells her to "go away," but she puts her head on her paws and he laughs, earning him a display of tail wagging. He decides that he has a dog whether he'd wanted one or not, then changes his mind to say that the dog has him. He begins a cross-country trip, traveling carefully and continuing to worry about an accident. When he reaches...