Chapter 12 Summary

Saturday, November 14, 2026. Joanne, Lauren's closest friend, is moving with her family to Olivar. Joanne has mixed feelings. Joanne's boyfriend, Harry, will not go with them because he says that it's a trap and that they'll be enslaved legally. Lauren's estimation of Harry rises when she hears his opinion. Lauren tries to reason with Joanne and talk her into staying and marrying Harry. Joanne thinks the prospects in the neighborhood are worse. The two friends part with sadness, both convinced that the other is doomed.

Tuesday, November 17, 2026. Lauren's father, who spends the night at the college where he teaches, has not returned home this morning. The neighborhood organizes a search, but they are unsuccessful.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026. The neighbors expand their search for Lauren's father into the surrounding hills. Lauren knows they are now searching for his body. Lauren is on the search and finds...