Though Allie suffers burns, the Foxes and Mr. Haddy escape with their lives. In the immediate wake of the conflagration, Charlie leads them to The Acre, where they can take advantage of the fresh water and wild fruit. Despite what has just happened and the critical nature of their situation, Allie offers nothing but criticism of the children’s sanctuary settlement. Returning to Jeronimo, they observe the full extent of the damage; it is completely reduced to ash. Animals in the vicinity have been killed, and not a single salvageable resource nor personal belonging remains. Allie informs them that the entire site, including the river, has been poisoned, and that it’s impossible to reestablish themselves there.

Mr. Haddy is filled with despair because his replacement boat, Icicle, has also been destroyed. Charlie sees his father cry for the first time in his life, kneeling beside the river and weeping. He pushes the family on through the jungle. In a sudden mood swing, Allie rallies and surges with optimism. He declares that they got out just in time, and that they had “chosen” freedom. Mother reflects on what a horrible death the men must have suffered.