Rowan was in a hurry and instructed Mateo to bring Ruby along. Then, he hastily left, planning to inform a few more villagers for assistance. After telling Mateo, he hurried to inform another household.
Mateo had breakfast and didn't say much except commenting on the strange taste of food. When he was going to Rowan's house, he thought about whether Clara would be safe at home alone.
"Cla! Come with us!" Mateo held Ruby, carrying Clara on his lap, and then they left together.
Arriving at Rowan's house, Clara was shocked to see the sorry state of the little earthen hut. One side had collapsed, and it was a muddy mess. Gloria was clearing furniture from inside.
Seeing Clara, Gloria happily waved and said, "Clara! You've come too. Look at my house, turned into a pile of mud." Gloria spoke with a laugh, not a bitter one but a genuine, carefree laugh. She was truly optimistic, unfazed by anything. This kind of person had no worries.
