Discovery of the Bunker

The man and boy find a hidden bunker with abundant supplies, offering a brief respite.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The House and the Shed

The Search The House on the Hill They come to a stately house with white columns. The man is drawn to it, despite the boy's fear. They enter and find a locked hatch in the pantry. The man pries it open. The Cistern In the yard, he discovers a cistern of sweet water. He drinks deeply and fills jars. He also finds a hidden trapdoor beneath some boards. The Bunker He opens the trapdoor and descends into a concrete bunker filled with crates of canned goods, water, blankets, and tools. There is a gas stove, lanterns, and even a box of gold coins. The boy is overwhelmed.

A Taste of Luxury

The Respite The Feast They eat pears, peaches, ham, and biscuits. They drink coffee and Coca Cola. The boy is amazed. The man makes a fire in the house, and they bathe in warm water. They cut each other's hair and wear clean clothes. The Checkers Game They play checkers on a footlocker. The man drinks a little whiskey. For a few days, they are safe and warm. The boy does not want to leave. The Departure They pack the cart with as much as they can carry. The man knows they cannot stay, as the bunker is a trap. They leave at dawn, the boy reluctant but obedient.

mid-journey, after the encounter with the marchers

the next few days