Ms. Stein and Ms. Reba return from the grocery store with extra food and water in preparation for the coming storm. Mary gets her latest SAT scores and they are improving. Ms. Claire takes a special interest in Mary but is careful not to ask too many questions. She gives Mary her scarf when she sees Mary has no coat. Ms. Stein brings Kelly home from the hospital. Kelly’s face is badly burnt; she is calm but makes clear to Mary that she plans to harm her. Mary worries for the safety of her unborn child, and she and New Girl are on guard, equipped for an attack. 

Ted turns 18 and must leave his group home; social services needs his bed, making him effectively homeless. He is angry and scared for his future and further distressed by his inability to care for Mary saying, “But now I can’t do nothing to save you” (177). Ted and Mary plan to run away that night. Mary is packed, but the storm is worse than anticipated and it floods the basement. The girls help put sandbags around the house.