In Episode 3 of "Earth Abides," the narrative leaps forward to the sixth year. Ish ventures into the untamed wilderness but unfortunately collides with a mountain lion. Before he can dispatch it to end its suffering with a shot, Ish catches sight of a young girl dashing through the woods. He identifies her as Evie and, with a heart burdened by the responsibility of now caring for two children, hastily pursues her, attempting to gain her trust. However, she remains wary, her screams echoing through the forest.
Retreating cautiously, Ish offers her sanctuary if she desires it. Yet, a chilling sense of unease pervades the situation as the lion has vanished from its initial position by the car upon Ish's return. Despite her initial hesitation, Evie decides to accompany him back to the refuge Emma and Ish have painstakingly established.
There, their children, Alex and Heather, await, and soon after, they welcome a third member into their world, Joey. Their makeshift home also shelters Maurine and her husband, Jorge, the couple who discovered the spray-paint in Episode 2. They have been residing with Ish and Emma since then. Maurine, too, bears scars, similar to those on Evie's body, but discussing them brings her pain. In an act of compassion, Maurine tends to Evie, offering her a soothing bath.
While Evie is occupied in the bathroom, Maurine examines her belongings. Perusing her journal filled with vivid drawings chronicling her experiences, Maurine confirms the girl's name – Evie. Jorge and Ish venture into the forest, searching for clues about her origins. The discovery of an abandoned, dilapidated cabin filled with drawings and signs of abuse reveals that Evie has endured a harrowing past. Maurine later finds a letter from Evie's mother, revealing the girl's suffering under her abusive father. This is the reason behind Evie's muteness – a choice she has made to protect herself.
The narrative then skips to the seventh year. A wandering stranger prompts Ish, Emma, and Jorge to fortify the perimeter with bells as a warning system against intruders. A tense confrontation arises when a trio of newcomers, accompanied by their son Raif, appear. Ish remains deeply suspicious of their intentions, given their long journey to reach this remote haven. He fears that their arrival could disrupt the fragile balance they have painstakingly nurtured.
For the moment, everything seems to be progressing smoothly, as the newcomers—Ezra, Molly, and Jeanie—blend into the existing group as they venture out to scavenge for essentials at the nearby shops. Molly, driven by her own intentions, strays solo to the hospital, where she secures sacks filled with vital supplies. Ish, still wary of these three, finds himself swayed by Emma's influence, and together, they contribute a much-needed sense of camaraderie.
Yet, among them, Jean harbors a secret struggle with alcohol. After discovering liquor in one of the abandoned stores, she retreats to the bathroom, where she consumes it heavily, her frustration venting in the shattered remnants of the mirror, reflecting her own turmoil. Worried about her late period, she spirals into panic, dreading the responsibilities of impending parenthood. This starkly contrasts with Emma and Ish's nurturing family environment, serving as a poignant parallel to their own experiences.
Then, the narrative skips forward, revealing Jorge and Maurine welcoming a new life into their communal fold. And with that swift transition, we leap ahead to the 14th year. It's Heather's birthday, and the celebration is marked with joyful cake-sharing. Ish and Joey find solace in the tranquil embrace of the library, but an undercurrent of unease lingers. For seventeen nights consecutively, rain has poured relentlessly, and the storm's fury continues to escalate.
Returning home, Ish and Joey discover Lucky missing, only to find him outdoors, fallen victim to a tree that had been toppled by the tempest. In a moment of profound sorrow, Ish lays him to rest in their garden. But their nightmare deepens when a cougar emerges, eyes gleaming with intent to attack Joey. Ish steps in front, absorbing the brute force of the predator's onslaught, shielding Joey from harm.
