Part 1: Chapters 7-9 Summary

In chapter 7, Gwen is walking on the road in front of Guardian Farm, smoking a cigarette and missing home. Gwen thinks of all her friends, of the fun they must be having at the mall and various parties. Gwen has tried to call her best friend multiple times, but cannot get a hold of her. Gwen is miserable and ready to go home. Gwen leans against the fence when Tarot comes up behind her. Gwen touches Tarot and is happy to have him reciprocate. Gwen has no way of knowing that Tarot is a crazy horse, that he once killed two men. Instead, Gwen feels a connection with the old race horse. Knowing he should warn her, Hank watches silently from the hill above.

In chapter 8, the Coward lives alone in the marshes in a rundown, abandoned house that...