Summary

In Chapter 5, although Tiny continues caring for Chouette, “everything has changed” (137). She feels like “a terrible mother” (137). Sensing her loss of confidence, Tiny’s husband insists that they take Chouette to more doctors and specialists. Although reluctant, Tiny agrees to bring Chouette to “Mommy and Me sessions at the Therapeutic Swim Center” (139).

At the swim class, Tiny carries Chouette to the pool. As soon as they enter the water, Chouette panics and shrieks. Then her father takes her and plunges her in. For a moment, Chouette is quiet. Shortly thereafter, Chouette starts panicking again. Tiny takes the baby from her husband. The scene makes the other mothers regard the father as “a monster” (141).

Tiny’s husband pressures her to enroll Chouette in a special school (142). Tiny gives in, although she wishes he “could see [Chouette] the way” she does (145). On the first day of...