• Chapter

      Chapter XXXII

      Chapter XXXII Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXII begins with a sense of disarray as the aftermath of the situation involving Carlene’s trailer unfolds. The scene is swarming with police officers, state troopers, and paramedics, each moving swiftly to address the chaos. The rain had finally stopped, leaving behind an audience of curious neighbors who stood outside, eager to witness the drama that had just occurred. Inside the trailer, Lester, Lill, and Carlene were being questioned by the authorities, while the children gathered nearby,…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXXI

      Chapter XXXI Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXI unfolds in a whirlwind of tension and emotion as the narrator searches desperately for a silver happy birthday pen amidst the overwhelming chaos surrounding them. The pen, a seemingly small object, is nowhere to be found, amplifying the sense of urgency and dread. In the back bedroom, Will Junior is locked in a heated argument with Carlene, who yells at him for disturbing her blankets. The narrator’s anxiety heightens as they catch sight of two police officers approaching the trailer through…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXX

      Chapter XXX Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXX begins with the group caught in a frantic search for Samson, who has been unexpectedly left behind at the Tuttle Terrace Trailer Park. The mood is heavy with worry and urgency as the group realizes, despite their thorough search, that Samson is missing and not on the bus. As panic spreads among the group, Lill, Fish, and the others strongly insist that they need to turn back and search for him, no matter the risks. Lester, however, feels cornered by the situation, fearing that their actions…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXVIII

      Chapter XXVIII Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXVIII continues the group’s journey south, with the distance from Salina still weighing heavily on their minds. Despite the Beaumont family’s strong encouragement to head straight to Salina Hope Hospital, Lester remains firm in his decision to take one last detour. As the miles pass, the group distracts themselves by munching on snacks from the Mega Mega Mart, each person doing their best to keep their thoughts away from Poppa, who remains in the hospital. This small diversion serves as a…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXVII

      Chapter XXVII Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXVII begins with the group’s arrival in Wymore just as the morning church service is finishing, presenting the perfect opportunity for them to make their delivery. Lester parks the large pink Bible bus in front of the church, preparing to deliver a batch of pink Bibles, something Lill is confident will be well received, particularly by the minister’s wife. Lill, always supportive, offers words of encouragement, accompanied by a quick kiss for good luck, which leaves Lester blushing, his chest…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXVI

      Chapter XXVI Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXVI opens with the group arriving at a motel, a temporary haven as they seek both physical and emotional comfort amidst the chaos of their lives. The small space of the boys' room is transformed by Samson, who has ingeniously fashioned a makeshift bed under a table using a motel bedspread as a cover, creating a sense of safety in the midst of the uncertainty surrounding them. Meanwhile, the protagonist shares a bed with Lill, who murmurs in her sleep, providing an almost hypnotic rhythm to the…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXV

      Chapter XXV Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXV opens with Mibs and Bobbi preparing to change into their swimsuits by the pool, marking the beginning of a pivotal moment in the story. Mibs, usually a confident individual, is taken aback by the poor fit of her swimsuit, which makes her feel self-conscious and vulnerable. This is a sharp contrast to the more self-assured character she has been before. Bobbi, on the other hand, steps in as a comforting presence, exuding a grown-up confidence in her cherry red bikini. She helps Mibs adjust the…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXIX

      Chapter XXIX Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXIX introduces Carlene, a striking and complex figure whose larger-than-life persona creates an immediate sense of tension. Despite her small stature, Carlene’s presence is anything but diminutive. She’s described vividly with big hair, sharp teeth, and long fingernails, all of which contribute to her eccentric and imposing charm. When Lester drives the large pink Bible bus into the Tuttle Terrace Trailer Park, Carlene stands at the doorway of her trailer, her expression a mixture of surprise…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXIV

      Chapter XXIV Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXIV begins with Lill expressing her newfound enthusiasm and a sense of optimism about shopping for supplies, offering to take care of the kids until the next day. She suggests walking over to the Mega Mega Mart across the road to gather what they need, while asking if anyone would like to join her. However, the children, wary of their current situation and the potential consequences of drawing attention to themselves, prefer to stay behind in the safety of their temporary shelter. As she prepares…
    • Chapter

      Chapter XXIII

      Chapter XXIII Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXIII delves deeply into the intricacies of deception and the complex dynamics of family relationships. The central challenge of this chapter revolves around a plan to convince Lill that the group has made a successful call home, when in fact, they have not. The narrator reflects on past events when Bobbi had mimicked Lill's voice to cover for herself at school, using her mother’s stern tone to create plausible stories that could smooth over tricky situations. As they find themselves in a motel,…
    Note