Summary

The final chapter of Bridge of Clay once more returns to the final days of Penny Dunbar, and reveals the true nature of her death. It also follows Clay in the recent past as he finishes the bridge, for his mother and for the recently deceased Carey. The book ends with Matthew, the narrator, telling the tale of how he came to write the book after its events had taken place.

Matthew describes the night his mother revealed to the boys that she would die, and the aftermath of that night. Penny lives in agony for far longer than her predicted life expectancy, and she is increasingly unable to function. She takes cocktails of medication, loses her hair, and is less and less happy to be alive. Michael remains close by throughout, and cares for her. She does, though, continue to play the old...