Summary

Chapter 8 returns to 1968, and Edgar’s return from Alaska. Fern goes to meet him at the train station with baby Ruth. They greet each other then each hold one of baby Ruth’s hands, sharing her for the first time. A cricket lands on her chest and gives her the nickname that will come to completely replace her birth name.

Hugh and the General have again spoken on the phone. This time Hugh interviews the General’s son for a job, and the General nominates Edgar for a medal of bravery. At the medal ceremony, Fern’s parents dress in older clothes while Edgar’s have bought new and expensive clothes. Fern argues with her parents about Ben’s electroshock therapy, saying they are “frying his brain” (160). Cricket screams through much of the ceremony, and protesters march outside. Many of the other medal recipients...