Three months later, Robert Neville has finished repairing his house, generator, and garage following the Undead’s attack. He also soundproofed the house, so he no longer has to hear their screams at night. He steals an abandoned car from the neighborhood, drives to the nearest station wagon dealer, and takes a new one for himself. Neville has cut back on his drinking, finding his house repairs a welcome form of escapism. He hangs a new mural on his wall that depicts a snowy Canadian wood.

Neville reflects on the plague that created the Undead. He begins with his own memories, remembering a specific morning 10 months ago, in which he woke to a dust storm outside. His wife Virginia was unable to sleep all night, as she felt lethargic. Over breakfast, the couple discussed the contagion, the growing number of dust storms caused by “bombings” that continued despite the end of a n unspecified war, and the resistance local mosquitos had developed to bug sprays. Virginia suspected biological warfare and suggested sending their daughter Kathy to her mother’s house. Neville disagreed, wanting to maintain a normal life despite the spread of contagion. He left to meet Ben Cortman and the two carpooled to their jobs at the local plant.