Summary

In Pages 150-200, the perspective changes to Alyssa. She watches as Garrett puts a bowl of water out in the hope that Kingston will come to him. Alyssa then enlists Garrett's help, asking him to keep Kelton busy. She puts bottled water in a backpack, intending to take it to the neighbors. Maybeth enters the room and, rather than berating Alyssa, she shows her how to fit in two more bottles. She arrives at the gathering, believing the neighbors will thank her for sharing the water. Instead, they quickly become irate, arguing about the way to divide it. She wishes she had never embarked on this endeavor and takes an opportunity to drop the backpack and leave. She knows it has Kelton's name on it, meaning the neighbors will know for certain the McCrackens have water. At dinner that night, Maybeth serves dinner...