The City of Ember

Granny’s confusion worsens; Lina appreciates the way Mrs. Murdo helps by keeping Granny company, tending to Poppy, and making breakfast. Lina overhears in the market line that a shop on Night Street has colored pencils. After debating the expense of such a luxury, she takes Poppy and heads to the shop. She passes a man named Sadge on the steps of the Gathering Hall, calling out woeful descriptions of his journey to the Unknown Regions. Nearby, Believers, a pseudo-religious group, sing to a pipe player; Lina wonders what they mean when they sing “Soon, soon, coming soon” (74). Once in the Night Street shop, Lina realizes the shopkeeper is Looper, the man who sent a message to Mayor Cole. Lina worries over the expensive purchase, but she chooses a blue and a green pencil and pays. When Lina turns to leave, Poppy is gone. She runs outside to look for her, but the lights go off.

Lina panics during the whole long blackout. Finally the lights come back on. She resumes looking for Poppy; a few people chastise her for losing a baby, but soon Doon comes out of a shop holding Poppy’s hand. Relieved, Lina thanks him sincerely.