Summary

Chapter 23 is titled “All You Can Be Is Grateful.” It opens with an excerpt from one of Arvid's letters in which he says that when death separates someone, “all you can be is grateful for the time you had” (339). The opening scene takes place on Sunday, December 28. The youngsters have set up a “going away party” for Dava. She first hears a children's orchestra song. Dava refuses to be carried downstairs, so Kali helps her walk down. Kali whispers directions because Dava can barely see. She is trying to hide that from the others as long as possible. She whispers to Kali only to discover that Arvie is now at her side. She is happy that Arvie is willing to engage with her. She compliments him on his daughters. She tells Arvie that Arvid was the only man she ever loved.

Meanwhile, the...