When it comes down to it, no one begs me to stay. Essie cuddles with me on the sagging couch in Uncle Dewey’s trailer and peeks out into the darkness every so often to see if there’s any sign of Bert and Richard. Drona has sent the pups to bed, and she’s sitting in Mama’s old rocker, hot-boxing Rae’s cigarettes.

Rae, Arly, and Dewey are off rousing help—Rae and Arly have gone for our female kin, and Dewey is collecting whatever males he can muster.

Derwyn is in his usual spot outside. We hear there are others in the woods surrounding the Bogs—Kenny, Lowry, some others.

“I don’t see why...