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Chapter 40 ended with Ian and Wanda grieving together. Three days pass, and we learn that Ian stayed with her at all times except to get some food and water. Wanderer refused to eat, however, and after Ian realized why, he stopped eating too. On the third day, though, he feels that this has gone on long enough and that Wanderer needs some food. Ian begs her to forgive him, telling her that that he knew it was wrong to continue killing her family (even unwillingly) with her present in the caves. Wanderer ignores his pleas and apologizes. Ian leaves.
Several minutes later, Jeb enters. He comments on how she isn’t eating, telling her that there are faster ways to die. Finally Wanderer speaks: “So give me to Doc, then.”
Jeb starts to explain how the humans have a stronger survival instinct than to just give up: “We’ve lost a war. We are about to be extinct. We are trying to find ways to save ourselves.” Wanderer sees his side of the situation, but expresses that it is unfair to be murdering her family while she is there. Jeb agrees that it’s wrong and that he’ll find a solution. Finally Wanderer eats. Ian returns and is happy to see Wanderer eating. She apologizes for blaming him.
Wanderer: All’s fair in war.
Ian: And love. You forgot that part.”
Jeb interrupts and tells Wanderer how worried Jamie has been about her. Ian adds that there’s an infection in his leg due to injuries he sustained on the raid. When Wanderer goes to Jamie’s room to see him, some of her friends are there and Jamie tells her that he played a soccer match against Wes and won. He then asks Wanderer if she was worried about him.
Wanderer replied that she was, but then realizes that she hasn’t heard from Melanie in a while. She lies to Jamie for an excuse to leave and pulls Ian out of the room with her and makes a seemingly absurd request:
Wanderer: I need you to help me, Ian.
Ian: Whatever you need. You know that.
Wanderer: I need you to kiss me, Ian. Now. Please.
