Chapter 38

In the Ladies room, Offred learns what has happened to Moira. After her escape from the Gymnasium, Moira made it all the way to the city. She is taken in by a couple who, for religious reasons, will attempt to help her escape to the Underground Femaleroad - a secret organization to smuggle women out of Gilead. She knows they are Quakers. Ironically, Moira's former liberal publication segmented their reader lists in the same way that Gilead segments their citizens.

In the city, Moira learns that the indoctrination is not as fervent outside of the community where Offred and the others reside, but the power of Gilead is being consolidated. Moira is caught near the border and given the choice of the colonies or the brothel.

Offred would like to believe that Moira escaped or blew up the brothel, but she has no idea, because she never saw her again.