Chapter 27
Contains spoilersOverview
With power restored, Polly wakes elated and decides Tegan fabricated a husband. When Hank proposes plowing the roads to take Tegan to the hospital, Polly lies that Tegan wants to wait and is anxious about hospitals. Hank defers, and Polly reasserts control, intent on keeping Tegan in the basement.
Summary
Morning brings electricity and a buoyant Polly, who prepares breakfast while reflecting that Tegan’s claim of a husband named Jackson was a lie. Polly convinces herself Tegan is alone and will not want her baby.
Hank comes downstairs, affectionate and pleased after their night together, and suggests taking the day off for them to spend time together. He casually assumes Tegan will go to the hospital soon.
When Polly objects that the phones are down, Hank offers to attach his snowplow and drive Tegan himself. To prevent that, Polly lies that Tegan is fine waiting and anxious about hospitals, and insists moving her now would be harmful.
Hank hesitates but accepts Polly’s explanation and goes to get dressed, planning to head to the shop. As he leaves, Polly resolves to keep Tegan in the basement and asserts that Hank will ultimately do what she says—he has no choice.
Who Appears
- Polly
Narrator; elated after power returns, decides Tegan lied, manipulates Hank to keep Tegan from the hospital.
- Hank
Polly’s husband; proposes plowing roads to drive Tegan to a hospital, but defers to Polly.
- Tegan
Injured pregnant woman in the basement; subject of Polly’s control and lies about hospital plans.