Andrew’s Hidden Gun

The Cabin at the End of the World

This flow traces Andrew’s concealed firearm from a private precaution to the instrument of escape, catastrophe, and final temptation.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Private Precaution A Private Precaution from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Private Precaution The Decision to Bring It Andrew secretly places his locked handgun safe in the SUV before the family drives to the cabin.

A Private Precaution from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Private Precaution The Decision to Bring It Andrew secretly places his locked handgun safe in the SUV before the family drives to the cabin.

A Private Precaution The Decision to Bring It Andrew secretly places his locked handgun safe in the SUV before the family drives to the cabin. He anticipates danger in remote New Hampshire. A Withheld Conversation He does not tell Eric, knowing that Eric would object. The concealed decision reflects Andrew’s lingering fear after being assaulted. The firearm travels with the family as protection and as an undisclosed source of future risk.

A Bluff at the Door A Bluff at the Door from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Bluff at the Door A Threat Without a Weapon When Redmond threatens to break in, Andrew shouts that he has a gun.

A Bluff at the Door from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Bluff at the Door A Threat Without a Weapon When Redmond threatens to break in, Andrew shouts that he has a gun.

A Bluff at the Door A Threat Without a Weapon When Redmond threatens to break in, Andrew shouts that he has a gun. In reality, the firearm is secured in the SUV. Escalating Danger The bluff does not deter the visitors, and their entry turns the firearm from a distant precaution into an urgent concern. Andrew’s fear is both a response to genuine violence and a force that narrows his options.

A Weapon Recovered A Weapon Recovered from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Weapon Recovered The Run to the SUV After freeing himself, Andrew reaches the vehicle and discovers that its tires have been slashed.

A Weapon Recovered from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Weapon Recovered The Run to the SUV After freeing himself, Andrew reaches the vehicle and discovers that its tires have been slashed.

A Weapon Recovered The Run to the SUV After freeing himself, Andrew reaches the vehicle and discovers that its tires have been slashed. Sabrina pursues him with her weapon. A Shot Fired Andrew retrieves his handgun from the safe and loads it under pressure. He fires a warning shot, then loses Sabrina from view. The gun gives him leverage but cannot restore control or guarantee his family’s safety.

A Fatal Struggle A Fatal Struggle from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Fatal Struggle Returning Armed Andrew reenters the cabin with the gun after finding Eric fighting the visitors. He uses it to stop Adriane’s attack.

A Fatal Struggle from "The Cabin at the End of the World". A Fatal Struggle Returning Armed Andrew reenters the cabin with the gun after finding Eric fighting the visitors. He uses it to stop Adriane’s attack.

A Fatal Struggle Returning Armed Andrew reenters the cabin with the gun after finding Eric fighting the visitors. He uses it to stop Adriane’s attack. The Accidental Shot During the ensuing struggle with Leonard, the gun discharges and kills Wen. Andrew is left holding the weapon that caused his daughter’s death. The protection Andrew brought as insurance becomes inseparable from grief and self-blame.

The Gun Lowered The Gun Lowered from "The Cabin at the End of the World". The Gun Lowered A New Demand After Sabrina dies, Eric raises a gun beneath his chin, believing he may still be able to save the world.

The Gun Lowered from "The Cabin at the End of the World". The Gun Lowered A New Demand After Sabrina dies, Eric raises a gun beneath his chin, believing he may still be able to save the world.

The Gun Lowered A New Demand After Sabrina dies, Eric raises a gun beneath his chin, believing he may still be able to save the world. Andrew approaches without trying to seize it. A Choice to Keep Living Andrew tells Eric that they will not harm each other even if the visitors’ claims are true. Eric lowers the pistol and drops it. The ending does not explain the gun’s earlier violence; it shows the couple refusing to repeat it against one another.

Just before the family leaves for New Hampshire

During the first cabin confrontation

During Andrew’s escape from the cabin

As Andrew returns to the cabin

In the rain near the novel’s end