Summary

In Chapter 9, Ernie and Genie talk to Sheila on the telephone. After Ernie and Genie finish their morning chores, including picking peas, they go to Tess's house. She agrees that Genie can use her computer. When they enter, they see that the house looks very ordinary except that there is plastic over every piece of furniture and several boxes of disinfectant wipes. Genie begins his time online by searching for a replacement model wheel, but he finds nothing local. He also researches barn swallows and discovers that some people believe barn swallows “represent young people who have died” (169). Genie immediately thinks of Wood, and he wonders if that is why Grandpop has the barn swallows. Tess's mother, Karen, enters the room wearing gloves and a mask. She says he is sick and wants to protect Ernie and Genie from catching anything, but it...