The snow has melted enough to make bike riding possible, and Maddie is out with George. She needs new clothes, having outgrown her old clothes, along with dog food, propane, and other supplies. On her way to the store, she hears a car door and voices. She runs toward the sound of humans, but the sound of breaking glass and an angry voice makes her halt. Angry Voice is ordering others to quickly load up trucks because they need to be gone and across “the border” (the speaker doesn’t specify which one) before dark; it is clear that Angry Voice has just broken a man’s nose for not working fast enough. Maddie and George hide. The men load appliances, cash registers, and other valuables. Angry Voice tells the others to make sure nothing they’re taking has a serial number on it.

The men aren’t wearing military or government uniforms. Since they don’t want serial numbers, Maddie thinks they’re probably stealing.

The men might not be dangerous or want to hurt Maddie if they see her. They might rescue her.