Contents
Book Five: Save Yourself — 8.
Overview
Gwen rushes to exit 8 fearing Allie has been killed, but finds Tana sheltering a shaken, alive Allie. At a Dunkin’, Gwen’s anger over Allie’s near-suicidal walk spills out, then softens to reassurance. Gwen refuses to host Allie, and Tana offers her couch, deepening Tana’s suspicion about their secrets.
Summary
Gwen speeds toward exit 8, convinced Allie wandered into traffic and died. Reaching the northbound side, she finds Tana’s car off the road and Tana holding a trembling but alive Allie under a blanket. Relief washes over Gwen as she embraces Allie.
They retreat to a near-empty Dunkin’, where Gwen and Tana once worked. As Allie sips coffee and fights nausea, Gwen’s relief turns to anger. She confronts Allie for walking into oncoming traffic, arguing it was selfish and could have made an innocent driver a killer. Allie pleads for Gwen to stop, saying she “just felt so bad.”
Gwen’s fury crests, hinting at shared trauma Tana doesn’t understand. Under Tana’s confused questions, Gwen abruptly softens, telling Allie it isn’t her job to fix the world and that the situation isn’t her fault. Allie asks to stay with Gwen, fearing she’ll drink if she’s alone.
Gwen refuses, still shaking, and prepares to leave. Tana immediately offers Allie her couch, while pressing about the cryptic references between Gwen and Allie. Gwen thanks Tana to care for Allie and walks out, unsettled and withholding the truth.
Who Appears
- GwenRaces to rescue Allie, vents fury over her near-suicidal walk, then comforts her; refuses to host and leaves shaken.
- AllieDisoriented and remorseful after wandering into traffic; seeks comfort and a place to stay; cries and apologizes.
- Tana NighswanderFinds and shelters Allie, mediates at Dunkin’, puzzled by their secrets; offers Allie her couch when Gwen refuses.