Chapters 7-8 Summary

After hearing Hud and Granddad's conversation, Lonnie is confused and depressed. He feels a consuming restlessness, which he tries to abate by shooting frogs in the early morning. He again finds himself at Halmea's window, and she councils him not to waste time thinking "what if," but instead to buckle down and work. Lonnie listens to Jesse's stories about riding on the rodeo circuit, and he wishes desperately to travel somewhere that is more exciting than the ranch. Lonnie remembers his one trip to Fort Worth, and longs for stimulation and excitement. Soon it is time for the rodeo to come to town, and Lonnie goes early one morning to watch the rodeo people arrive. It is the one exciting event of the year for the town of Thalia, and also the one time when many old friends get together and...