About Grace

Naaliyah drives Winkler to a clinic in Dawson City. The doctors put him on an IV and treat him for dehydration, exhaustion, a severe contusion on his ankle, and a corneal burn. After three days, he’s better. He asks Naaliyah about her work at Camp Nowhere, and she tells him that her classmates and professor don’t think she can last the entire winter. Winkler asks if she’ll allow him to stay with her at Camp Nowhere. Naaliyah agrees, driving him there. The camp consists of a cabin and an outbuilding. Most of the cabin is taken up by a collection of insects.

Winkler sleeps for two days, considering the repetitiveness of life in his few clear moments. He wonders if he’s trying to allow nature to take his life and wonders why he has survived up until now. He can’t believe Naaliyah is there. He admires her dedication to her work and her continuing fascination with insects.

When Winkler is stronger, Naaliyah tells him she’s going to Fairbanks for supplies. Winkler tells her that his family is dead. When he tells her all that has happened, Naaliyah accuses him of giving up. She tells him he should continue to look for Grace.