The Store

The store is where the majority of the story takes place. It is where the travelers stay overnight after meeting the woman and her child. Furthermore, it is where the reader learns about the intimate details of each of the characters’ personalities. In addition, many of the major plot events occur here, such as the scene in which Jim and the protagonist learn that the woman has murdered her husband.

The Wilderness

The wilderness is where the story begins and ends. At the beginning of the story, the reader is introduced to the travelers, who have been wandering the wasteland for months, until they approach the store with renewed vigor and hope. At the end of the story, the travelers get back on the road, leaving the store and reentering the wasteland upon learning of the store owner’s crimes.