Ethan Honey takes up still-life drawing with encouragement from Matthew Diamond. Ethan thinks of Noah’s ark while he draws, considering the aftermath of the flood and wondering if Noah’s family rediscovered a ruined world. After drawing in the sun for too long, Ethan develops a fever and has nightmares, uttering about the ark in his sleep.

Maine passes an act allowing the state to decide whether prisoners or patients under state control are suitable to procreate. If deemed unsuitable, subjects will undergo a vasectomy or oophorectomy.

Matthew’s sermon about Noah and his family catches the attention of the inhabitants of Apple Island. He says many of the stories from the Bible are retellings and shares his theory that Noah’s sons and their wives were all different races. Matthew fears that he offends those on the island.

Matthew, aware of the coming eviction, writes a letter to his friend Thomas Hale, asking him to take Ethan in because of his artistic value and ability to pass as white, unlike the other children.

Eha struggles to be verbal while Esther watches her grandchildren on the shore. Ethan receives paints and a book about art from the relief society.