At a tense household confrontation, Kevin accuses Rachel of refusing to give half her monthly salary and ration stamps to Nicole; Rachel says she kept the support to feed the growing boy Scott. A neighbor insists Rachel never returned, and Kevin angrily vows to block Nicole's remarriage, insisting Leah—Arthur's only child—mustn't gain a stepfather. After news of a drought and finished reserves, someone promises to bring half a salary and rations to prevent starvation. But Scott then refuses to share food with cousin Leah, leaving the plan to save Nicole and the child's survival unresolved.