The detriment of Earth’s deceleration on vegetation becomes more apparent. With the most common type of lawn, Bermuda grass, dying, yards are quickly replaced with lava rocks or are left bald. Developing countries, with less resources to devote to their lawns and agricultural landscapes than America, fare less better. To replace the barren American land, “giant greenhouses were swallowing up the open-air fields of [the] farms” (164). Scientists race for a cure to save the plants for agricultural purposes as major crops begin dying out. Helen’s emergency supply of peanut butter and other non-perishables continues to grow as the effects of “the slowing” escalate.

Despite “the slowing,” sixth grade rites of passage continue as usual, and Julia observes that her classmates are now having coed dance parties: “Gone were the days of single sex parties. Now D.J.s were hired and dance floors rented” (166). As something of a social outcast at school, Julia is not invited to any of these parties by her classmates. Julia’s own birthday is a week away, but she knows she will not be having a party of any kind, let alone a dance party.

A quarter of the students at Julia’s school has dropped out since the onset of “the slowing.