FantasticLand

In her interview, Sophie Ruskin wants to talk about her boyfriend, Austin, who she says was “the best hustler [she] ever knew” (102). Sophie repeatedly says that she only wants to talk about Austin, not herself. She says that Austin learned to be a hustler because his parents didn’t take care of him.

Austin worked on maintenance in the park, and Sophie was a ride operator. He caught her attention because he rode her ride repeatedly to win a bet. She and Austin dated for a couple of months before the hurricane, and he became her world. When the hurricane hit, Austin told her that he knew how they could get rich. He planned to collect cash and supplies to sell.

He led Sophie to the security station bunker, where they stole weapons and hid them. They also raided the dormitories but developed a painful rash from the toxic water. While seeking treatment, they saw the dead body with the bashed-in head, which was later named “Paul the Puddle” and left in the square. Clara, the leader of the ShopGirls, confronted them but ultimately gave them medical aid.

Paranoia spread. Austin failed to find buyers for their stolen goods, and suspicion over their hidden stash grew.