The group is beginning to function less like a haphazard assemblage of stragglers and more like a real, productive community. The strength of their collective presence and resources allows them to do things such as take turns washing or buy the antique gun. While living in a large group inevitably creates certain issues, it is clear that the characters have a better chance of survival now that they are traveling as part of a community. In a chaotic and dangerous world, developing structures of shared responsibility and mutual support is vital to existence.