Summary

The next poem is titled “The Needle.” Dr. Andrews is aware that Reha may faint, so Reha lies down to have her blood drawn. The nurse says Reha should not look, but Reha makes herself watch. She does not feel even slightly faint. In “Close Enough,” Reha hopes she is “close enough” to be a donor. If so, they will put Reha to sleep and take bone marrow from her hip to insert in Amma. Reha is worried – that it might be painful or that it might not work. She is careful not to be with anyone who is sick. Each of her friends provides comfort – learning Hebrew blessings from Rachel, holding hands with Pete, listening to music with Sunny, and waiting with Daddy and Prema Auntie. With every breath, Reha prays. She feels that Amma must stay because Reha is here.

The...