Now Is Not the Time to Panic

The poster makes Coalfield a destination spot for visitors. At times, the panic surrounding the poster becomes violent or otherwise dangerous, such as when a group vandalizes a van thought to be connected to the alleged abduction of the teens from the abandoned house. Frankie considers the poster’s influence to be “absurd” but “also thrilling” (123). Yet she is frustrated by the copycat versions, as they diminish the power of the poster created in private. As the number of visitors grows, Frankie thinks of her brothers, surprised that they do not participate in the “chaos” (125) and that they seem to have no memory of the copier they stole. Frankie is certain that her mother does not suspect her of any involvement. Zeke’s mother, on the other hand, rarely leaves her bedroom, and Frankie senses that it is for the best that their time together is spent at her home, not Zeke’s. There, they continue to collaborate on stories and drawings.

Soon Frankie begins to feel increasingly restless in Coalfield. Zeke suggests they visit Memphis for a day, offering to show her around the city. They decide they will hang the posters there, and, though Zeke decides not to inform his mother of their plans, Frankie wants to obtain permission for the trip.