Stranger
What name does the old man give to the father and son?
Ely.
Why is the father suspicious of Ely at first?
He thinks Ely might be a decoy for roadagents.
What does the boy ask his father to do for Ely?
Give him food and let him stay with them.
What reason does Ely give for not sharing his real name?
He doesn't trust anyone and doesn’t want people talking about him.
What physical symptom is getting worse for the man?
Cough.
Why does Ely say it might have been better to have already died?
Because living in the current world is terrible, but no one wants to die either.
What does the father say about Ely traveling with them?
He tells the boy they can’t keep Ely with them.
What does Ely say he thought had happened when he saw the boy?
He thought he had died because he didn’t think he’d ever see a child again.
What is the father’s response when the gas runs out in the stove?
He blames himself because it’s his job to check the tank.
What does Ely admit he wouldn’t have done if he were in the father and son’s position?
He wouldn’t have given food to someone else if he had the supplies.
What fear does the father have about dying?
He doesn’t know how to die while the boy is still alive.