Although he doesn’t physically hurt Leni or Cora, Ernt’s behavior once again leaves them in danger. The Allbrights are already low on food, and Ernt’s absence makes that issue even worse. The sudden killing of all their livestock shows how devastating and unpredictable an Alaskan winter can be, and Leni’s quick thinking with the rifle shows that she’s grown a lot in her ability to fend for herself and her mother.