The Darkest Minds

Ruby begins to cry, and Liam reveals he was only joking about not recognizing her. He lifts her and carries her back to the cabin, where they talk. He says he misses her, and when she mentions Clancy, he seems taken aback she and Clancy are so close. Zu and Hina come into the cabin and tell them that they plan to leave camp to go to California that night with a small group. They plan to find Hina’s parents. Ruby and Liam are shocked by the news. When Chubs arrives, he is hurt, although Zu hugs him.

The bell to camp rings, and Clancy makes the announcement that four kids are leaving. He says no others can leave at this time because the camp’s numbers are low. Ruby, Liam, and Chubs say good-bye to Zu, who isn’t wearing her rubber gloves any more. Zu gives Ruby a note asking her to find her when everything is over. Ruby reflects on how much Zu has changed, and Zu and the others leave.

As Zu leaves, Ruby comments she ought to be with her family, and Liam responds, “[s]he should be with us” (401). Chubs suggests they follow her. He argues they should leave before anyone notices them, because the camp isn’t going to help them track down parents.