It's time for Hugo to make his first foray into the world beyond Linda's mountain cabin. I've tried to imagine what might be his reactions, and they still seem reasonable to me. Including his reaction to the would-be carjacker. That scenario isn't as far-fetched as you might think. I've read about enough such to know it actually does happen that way-some of them have even made off with cars holding small children in booster seats in the back, though mostly they've fairly quickly abandoned the car with its unwanted small passenger.
But now Linda's and Hugo's cozy refuge will be invaded by others, which is the next logical step in the progression.
Chapters are a bit longer as the narrative progresses.