The flood that results from the massive rainstorm provides additional work for Cub, which provides extra income for the family but also means Dellarobia is stuck attending church alone with Hester. Her father-in-law and the logging company agreed to move ahead with the logging sale but won’t begin harvesting until the area dries out. As Christmas approaches, Dellarobia asks Cub to come with her to the store to purchase gifts. He does so reluctantly, as he would rather stay home and watch college football, which baffles his wife: “Amazing, how men who had no use for college could summon such enthusiasm for college ball” (214).

As they walk into the discount store, Cub and Dellarobia begin arguing about Bear’s logging contract. Dellarobia wants Cub to stand up to his father. In her mind, “The idea of that mountain dragged down, and a certain world with it, [is] becoming unthinkable” (215). Dellarobia wants her husband to show some backbone for once and “be his own man in this fight” (215). The argument moves to what items they can afford to purchase for the children and to decorate the tree. Dellarobia dropped hints to both Hester and Cub about borrowing some of Hester’s good ornaments, but neither one came through.