On October 2, Miranda turns on the stove and finds that they have no more natural gas. Her mother says that it is alright because they have the woodstove, and that many families are a lot worse off because of their dependence on electricity and natural gas. Though her mother tells her not to worry, Miranda can see that her mother is concerned. When Miranda and her brothers go to the library on October 3, they are told that it will be closing for good. They are instructed to take as many books as they like. If the library ever opens again, they can return the books. The librarian, Mrs. Hotchkiss, says that she and her husband are going to Georgia, which prompts Jonny to say that they should be leaving as well. Matt says that they have no idea where their dad is, so it does not make sense to try and find him. Also, they have shelter and food where they are. If they left, they would have nothing. He also reveals that all of the food and gas their father obtained was from the black market, and that their mother probably knew this as well.