In the later timeline, Malorie wonders about the entities that caused the Problem. She debates various terms for them, including “demon,” “villain,” and “monster” (52-53). The Boy interrupts her, saying that he hears engine noise ahead of them.

A motorboat approaches and stops when it is near them. A man’s voice calls out, telling them that there’s nothing to fear and inviting them to remove their blindfolds. When Malorie refuses, he becomes angry and admits that he saw one of the creatures. As Malorie attempts to move away, her boat is temporarily caught against his. The man calls Malorie insane as he becomes increasingly incoherent and aggressive. Malorie manages to free her boat. She and the children hear the man howl as they move away downstream. Malorie thanks the children for keeping their blindfolds over their eyes.

In the earlier timeline, two weeks pass. Most radio stations go off air, and Malorie feels claustrophobic stuck in the house. One night, she and the others throw a party, though Malorie refrains from drinking or smoking since she is pregnant. Cheryl interrupts