Summary

The Mother feels generally emotionally devastated, and she wonders at the general pleasantness and determination of the other parents in the waiting room of the pediatric oncology ward. The Mother resolves to try to be a little more courageous and optimistic, as many of those other parents appear to be. The Mother and the Husband meet with the oncologist, who describes their son’s tumor as “fast but wimpy” (226). This description suddenly reminds the Mother of Claudia Osk, who was one of the Mother’s fourth-grade classmates. The oncologist seems optimistic about the chances of successful treatment. He outlines the plan of surgery, followed by a brief round of chemotherapy and additional drugs. The Mother and the Husband still feel quite anxious. The surgery is scheduled for the following day. The Mother wanders the halls with the Baby, who finds the hospital exciting. The...