The older students meet with Mr. Appleton and Robbie while the younger ones give Luna, the dog, a bath. We learn that Mr. Appleton is the school chancellor of the county. Mr. Appleton provides information on what is happening on the outside. The earthquake injured many, such as a woman at the store where Mr. Appleton was shopping. As the black plume rose, “the people around [him] started acting in ways that were beyond [his] comprehension” (203). He drives home but sees that all the houses in the development are on fire. He goes to Lewis Palmer, where Robbie and some parents and teachers are gathered. Robbie relays the message that Mrs. Wooly gave about the students being trapped. People with O-type blood attack those in the school; some escape, while others die. Mr. Appleton is unsure whether Mrs. Wooly survived.

Alex and Dean set up beds for Robbie and Mr. Appleton in the Automotive aisle. Mr. Appleton goes to bed; Robbie says he wants to look at the bus.