Summary

Chapter 9 opens on the Observer looking in on Rachel in the hotel room after Karl has left het to pick up Irina. It notes that she seems agitated, moving to look through the window at Karl smoking across the street, Irina waiting near him. She receives a text message, presumably from Karl, which brings a small smile to her face.

The Observer knows that it does not understand the emotional ties between these three people: Rachel, Karl, and Irina. It also does not understand the appeal of communicating through text message.

Rachel and Karl text until Irina bursts into tears. The Observer notes that the girl across the street will not be considered a girl much longer. After Karl leaves to comfort his daughter Rachel stares out the window at the space they just vacated deep in thought.

Hours later Rachel leaves Broken River...