Chapter Forty-Four through Chapter Forty-Seven Summary

In chapter forty-four, David lights the fire, and they begin to cough. The Chandlers come downstairs, and David is able to hit Donny and Ruth. Ruth slams Susan against the wall, knocking her partially unconscious. After much fighting, David is knocked to the ground and is kicked senseless by Donny, Willie, and Ruth. David rolls under the table, only to look out and see another pair of legs. Meg, in her bruised, battered, and broken state, has risen up, and come to his rescue. She has little strength, but manages one step forward to make Ruth's attention focus on her. David notices her eyes are clear and sharp. Ruth rushes her, grabs her head, and smashes it against the wall. Meg slumps to the floor. Ruth stares and asks meekly if she is still breathing...