Ms. Preston rushes to Mrs. Puckett's home after a frantic call: Bobby is bleeding, coughing blood, and collapsing despite a recent checkup. The family doctor finds no poison; Preston says the mutarite has entered Bobby's heart and insists she can cure him. Neighbors and others berate her as a meddling waitress, accusing her of lying and improper behavior, but Mrs. Puckett describes rapid nosebleeds, dizziness, fever and vomiting and lets Preston examine her son. As Preston moves to treat Bobby, a voice snaps, "You again?"—her next move hanging in the balance.