Chapter 30

Casey realizes the blue-scribbled paper Eleanor carried is a hand-drawn map, marked with a star at Casey’s house. The discovery confirms Eleanor did not arrive by chance. Casey pockets the map before Eleanor returns from the bathroom asking for a toothbrush, concealing the revelation to assess the risk.

A scraping noise outside prompts Casey to check the front yard. By flashlight, she sees a large tree nearly uprooted and leaning toward the house. When Eleanor anxiously asks if it will fall, Casey refuses to make an “infinity promise,” instead admitting the danger while pledging to watch and wake Eleanor if needed.

Pressed about what happens if the tree falls, Casey suggests hiding under the bed, though she’s uncertain it would help. She reflects on declining Lee’s earlier offer of shelter, recognizing that leaving now would be riskier and that staying allowed her to protect Eleanor from the cold shed.

Returning inside, Casey gathers extra blankets, acknowledging the heat is out and the night will be frigid. Internally, she concludes Eleanor planned this visit, guided by the map, and resolves to determine Eleanor’s true purpose once they survive the storm.