The People of Sparks

That night, Mrs. Murdo finds the note Lina left for her. In a rage, Torren runs to the farmlands and throws two crates of tomatoes at a shed, breaking the window and wasting food. Back in town, Dr. Hester runs into Doon and tells him about Lina. He knows she’s just curious, but he’s upset that she went without him. On his way back to The Pioneer, Doon sees the commotion around the ruined tomatoes. The group work leader is blaming the Emberites, and the Emberites are protesting. Torren blames Doon; the group leader believes Torren without a second thought because Torren is from Sparks and Doon is not.

Lina emerges from her hiding spot on Caspar’s truck when they stop for the evening. She’s feeling scared, hungry, and doubtful of her decision. It is a five-day journey to the city, not a single day as Lina had thought. Caspar wants to leave Lina behind, but Maddy insists that she’ll be useful and privately assures Lina that she will take care of her. Lina is frightened of the open spaces and the fire. As they are heading to bed, Caspar throws another log on the fire and scatters sparks.