- When Pearl was little, her dad would tell her that the fire was further away than it seemed.
- Their house was on a hill back then, and the fire always seemed really close. Her dad was right, of course.
- She tries to tell herself this same thing when she and her mom look outside the next morning and see a plume very close by.
- Her mom comforts her by saying it's far away.
- Their power is out so they have to get ready for work and school in the dark.
- Pearl's mom is subbing at Camp Pendleton that day, so she has to hurry to work. Luckily school is still on even though the fires are causing power outages.
- Her mom drives Robby and Pearl to school since Robby lost his keys. As they are saying goodbye, Pearl's mom kisses her on the cheek, which makes her nervous.
- Robby and Pearl make plans to meet at lunch, but they never make it that far in the day.
- Around second period, school is canceled since the fires are getting worse and heading that way.
- Pearl checks her phone and she has a message from her mom telling her to stay with Hoyt and Robby.
- Hoyt is on his way but the traffic is bad, so Robby and Pearl decide to hitch a ride with Hickey and Greenie; Hoyt will meet them at Greenie's house.
- They call and tell Hoyt the plan.