Summary

Billie and Spike take shelter in the ship as the world around them enters an ice age. A three horned creature, much like a dog, befriends them and becomes their companion in the chaos that unfolds. Eventually, the two decide to fill their travel power packs and leave the ship to conserve its power, just in case they survive and need it to return home. Although the world seems like it is about to end, if not at least become entirely hostile to any life form, Billie cannot bring herself to believe in death and clings to hope: "We were surviving, and while we were alive, there was always a chance that we could stay alive" (83).

As darkness enfolds the planet, Billie and Spike take shelter in a cave with their three-horned pet. They build fires to stay warm and make love as...