Summary

In Chapter 9, Miriam hears Samuel talking on the phone the next morning, demanding that “he” (Mr. Johnson) be removed from all his positions in the church. Caleb says Samuel felt “blindsided” because he and Mr. Johnson are close. Caleb seems surprised when Miriam says Samuel hit Joanne the previous night. Caleb predicts the situation will work out. Miriam spends the day playing with Hannah. Miriam does not dare call Micah. She dreads Sunday and believes everyone else in the house feels the same. Samuel struggles through the morning service. Miriam spends the next few days practicing for Dawn's healing. That week, Joanne begins gathering Micah's things from the school room in the basement. Taking the items to Micah gives her an excuse to get out of the house. At noon on Wednesday, Miriam meets Dawn at the church. She has a bottle of...