Chapter 102: Close Call - Summary and Analysis
⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.
Summary
Maddie wakes to find her wound has soaked through the bandages and is now infected, oozing pus. She treats it with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment, then wraps it in clean bandages. Exhausted, she falls into fits of troubled sleep, losing track of time as daylight and darkness alternate. George remains at her side throughout her unconsciousness. When she finally regains consciousness, her skin is cool and her headache gone. She sees George wagging his stumpy tail and scooting closer. She thanks him for caring for her, presses her forehead to his, and he licks her cheek. Realizing he must be hungry, Maddie gets up, finds crackers and canned tuna, and collapses on the couch to check her cut. The angry red has faded, and the wound no longer appears infected. She cleans and dresses it again, then sits back, exhausted but relieved to have escaped another close call.
Key Events
- Maddie discovers her wound is infected and oozing pus.
- She treats the infection with hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment.
- She falls into troubled, fitful sleep, losing track of time.
- George stays by her side throughout her recovery.
- Maddie wakes feeling better: cool skin, no headache.
- She interacts with George, appreciating his companionship.
- She prepares food for herself and George (crackers and tuna).
- She checks the wound and finds the infection has receded.
- She re-dresses the wound and feels relief at surviving the crisis.
Character Development
Maddie demonstrates resilience and self-reliance. Despite the seriousness of the infection, she calmly treats it herself, relying on medical supplies she has stockpiled. Her troubled sleep and confusion about time show her vulnerability and isolation, but also her body’s ability to heal. Her bond with George deepens: she calls him “sweet boy,” thanks him for taking care of her, and prioritizes feeding him even while exhausted. This chapter highlights that she is not just surviving for herself but also for her dog, which gives her purpose.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Survival and Self-Care: The infection is a direct threat to Maddie’s life, and her ability to treat it alone underscores her resourcefulness. The hydrogen peroxide and antibiotic ointment symbolize the fragile line between life and death when living in isolation.
- Companionship and Loyalty: George’s constant presence during Maddie’s illness represents loyalty and emotional support. His wagging tail and licks are small gestures that sustain Maddie’s spirit.
- Time and Disorientation: Maddie’s loss of time, with stars moving crazily and alternating light and dark, reflects the disorienting nature of her solitary existence and the severity of her illness.
Why This Chapter Matters
This chapter is a turning point in Maddie’s physical survival. The infected wound could have become fatal without medical attention, yet she manages to treat it effectively. It also deepens the emotional bond between Maddie and George, showing that her will to live is tied to her responsibility for him. The successful recovery from a “close call” reinforces the book’s theme of resilience and reminds readers that every day alone brings new dangers and small victories.
Study Questions and Answers
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How does Maddie treat her infected wound, and why is this significant?
Maddie uses hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound and antibiotic ointment to fight the infection, then wraps it in clean bandages. This is significant because it shows she has prepared for medical emergencies and can survive without outside help, relying on supplies she gathered earlier. -
What role does George play during Maddie’s illness?
George stays by her side continuously while she is unconscious, and when she wakes, he wags his tail and scoots closer. His presence provides comfort and companionship. Maddie thanks him and prioritizes feeding him, indicating that her bond with George gives her motivation to recover. -
What does the phrase “close call” mean in the context of this chapter?
“Close call” refers to the serious infection that nearly killed Maddie. She narrowly escaped death due to her own quick treatment and the fact that the infection resolved. It emphasizes the constant danger she faces alone and the thin margin between survival and disaster.