Summary

In Chapter 7, Annie notices that, for the first time in weeks Graham seems "relaxed in himself" (84). After a peaceful dinner, Annie tells Graham he is a good husband, which pleases him.

In Chapter 8, Annie wakes knowing something is wrong. Then she realizes Graham’s body is cold and unmoving. Shocked, she does not know what to do with his body. His hulking form is absent of his soul. She closes his eyes, "the acknowledgement of death" (88). After crying, she calls Graham's doctor. When she hears the EMTs laughing as they struggle with Graham's body, she laughs too, hiding in the bathroom so they cannot hear. She tries busying herself before calling Sarah and Frieda. She remembers a night she and Graham taught Sarah to say no to molesters, per the daycare's recommendation. Finally she calls Sarah, who insists on coming from California immediately...