Gone

Lana wakes up in pure pain from her twisted leg, broken arm (which forms almost a letter V), and the gash on her head. Patrick protects her by fighting a wild mountain lion that appears. Lana lies helpless, hoping Patrick survives. The mountain lion flees, but Patrick returns to Lana, bleeding from his neck. Lana wails for him to stay alive. She pushes her hand against the bleeding, crying for her mother. Lana loses consciousness as Patrick whimpers.

The chapter returns to Sam, Astrid, and Quinn at Clifftop, where they don’t find Pete or any evidence to explain what happened. They brainstorm how the wall formed and what it’s made of. Astrid wonders if it’s a dome and if others on the opposite side can view them. They think those who vanished are alive outside the dome. Sam explains his birthday is in 12 days, while Astrid’s is months away. They dread he may blink out when he turns 15.

Astrid tells Sam that the others will expect his leadership and that he stepped up as a hero with the fire. Sam doesn’t want responsibility, but it’s in his nature to help—though he’s made mistakes and hurt others. He reflects on how he burnt his stepdad’s hand.