Growing Once More

I have a pesky suspicion that things are going too well. Despite being attacked a couple times, the group is still intact and unharmed. Not only that, Lauren has been recruiting more people to travel with them and they have been successfully stocking up on supplies. I find it interesting that before she left, she was intent on traveling alone, but now that she is out in the world, she is eager to help and share with strangers. Perhaps this shows her maturation--then again, she still hasn't accepted or dealt with her hyperempathy. So in some ways, the fire has promoted in new growth. In other ways, it has scorched the landscape and made it very ugly.

On another note, I find Bankole particularly dubious. The rest of the party had at least a backstory and reason for being on the move. They also had clear motive to want to travel with the group, since Lauren somehow helped them. However, Bankole not only has an odd amount of belongings, he also chose to stick with the group without explaining anything. I don't understand why Lauren trusted him immediately, unless of course she was less wary because she likes him.

All in all, Butler tells an interesting story but I have found it more difficult to follow what themes and ideas she means to express. Perhaps that is the point. Maybe Butler is trying to show how much harder it is to maintain your ideals (especially lofty ones) when constantly worried about survival. Lauren is getting along alright now, but I wonder when she or Harry will finally crack. Yes, I said when and not if, because I think this sort of event is probably inevitable.