Summary

With the birds continuing to attack, Nat realizes that the family must stay together. Without discussing it with his wife, he removes the mattresses from the beds and drags them down into the kitchen. While he’s moving the furniture, Nat continues to worry about their lack of food – they only have enough to last, at most, three days – but he convinces himself to only worry about the present moment, not the future. Nat is jarred from thought when he realizes that the radio has only been broadcasting dance music, a sure sign that the regular programming has been abandoned. At six o’clock, the announcer comes on one last time. Now, his voice is solemn, grave, as he announces that England is undergoing an “unforeseen and unparalleled [crisis]” (Page 11). Authorities have forbidden anyone from leaving their homes, and homeowners are advised that once safely inside...