Summary

Chapter 18 – Ephram goes to pick up chocolate ice cream from P&K, letting the rain wash over him while Chauncy goes to the Bell property. Chauncy advances on Ruby sexually. The Dybou feeds into Ruby’s body as Chauncy prepares to rape her. Ephram suddenly appears, and both the Dybou and Chauncy stop what they are doing. Chauncy tries to play it off, but Ephram tackles Chauncy. The two men begin fighting. Ruby stops them, assuring Ephram nothing happened. Chauncy apologizes for the graveyard incident and then runs home. Ruby and Ephram kiss as a thunderstorm approaches. Ephram then brings Ruby into the house.

Chapter 19 – At home alone, Celia looks upon Ephram’s departure as an embarrassment and an inconvenience. For example, she loathes the idea of picking up her own groceries as if she had no loved one to do...