Part 8 Summary
The beginning of Part 8 establishes the context for the gunfire. On the frigid day of January 2, amidst ongoing New Year festivities, Joe succeeds in finding Dorcas. It is at this point that Dorcas begins to share her perspective on the events.
Unintentionally, she wounded Joe's emotions, but he refused to release her. Dorcas takes pride in the advancements she's achieved in her life. With a fresh appearance, a new partner, and a transformed character, she finally possesses all she ever desired. However, she realizes that Joe is in pursuit of her.
Joe strolls through the gathering inconspicuously, firing at Dorcas before she can fully comprehend the situation. Struggling with speech and hearing, her thoughts are nonetheless apparent to us. We discern her sensations of chilliness and drowsiness. Although she remains silent about her discomfort, she observes her boyfriend's irritation due to the bloodstains on his coat.
The party attendees take some time to find her, bleeding in the bedroom. They inquire, "Who inflicted this upon you?" Although Dorcas is reluctant to reveal the person responsible and her voice is too faint to be audible, it isn't difficult to deduce who shot her. Nonetheless, she safeguards Joe by refraining from mentioning his name.
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