Summary

In Chapter 40, the narrator recalls Helen giving her a “gift” (131) several months after her miscarriage—a consultation with a psychic who specialized in fertility issues. It took place in a museum. There was a painting in the museum of a woman smoking that the narrator recalled seeing on a prior visit with Percy when they were engaged. At that time, she thought the woman looked happy, but seeing the painting again, the narrator realized the woman was grieving.

In Chapter 41, Percy went to Los Angeles to meet with university staff and a tornado hit while he was away. The narrator made it inside with Gloria, but Darkness was out in the yard.

In Chapter 42, the narrator emerged after the storm and was surprised to see the sugar maple tree still standing. Darkness was perched on a high limb and the narrator could not...