Gray After Dark

Hamish and Fred are gone for three days. During that time, Mary maintains the same harsh regime for Miley, keeping her shackled and refusing to let her bathe. As Mary performs chores, she sings “Run, Rabbit Run!” revealing that it is Fred’s favorite song.

Miley recalls the story of Rayna Carposa, who was presumed to have been killed in a bear attack when her bloody clothing was recovered. Mary looks terrified when Miley asks her if she is Rayna, urging Miley not to say that name. When Miley states that Rayna had a cross-country scholarship at Yale, Mary sings louder, throwing the eggs she was cooking on the floor in front of Miley. Miley apologizes and eats the dirty eggs. She realizes Mary is suffering from Stockholm syndrome and wonders if there is any way to get through to her.

Brent learns there are hundreds of alpine lakes in the Frank Church Wilderness.

Miley’s feet are badly infected, and she becomes feverish, refusing the food Mary brings. Mary declares, “Rayna is dead” (129), and she treats Miley’s feet with a homemade salve. Miley does not argue when Mary calls her Ruthie Sue.