Summary

It was Christmas Eve of 1917 in Chapter Ten when Emma gave birth to a boy on the floor of the parlor. They named him Harlan, after Sam's father. The author noted that Harlan's eyes stayed closed for two months as if he was avoiding his new world. The doctor told Emma he did that because he was lazy.

Spring had arrived in Chapter 11 and Emma announced to her mother that they were preparing to leave Macon. Louisa questioned Emma's plan to take the baby with them. Emma was offended that her mother would think that she and Sam were unable to care for Harlan. Louisa countered Emma's defensiveness by complimenting her on being good parents. Louisa built the case that it would be better for Harlan to remain in a stable environment until they get settled. Sam and Emma had planned to move...