Summary

Chapter One begins shortly before the birth of the narrator’s son. The narrator is unnamed throughout the novel and other characters are referred only to by their first initial. The narrator’s partner R is absent for the birth because he is climbing a mountain. He sends his friends J and S to take care of the narrator during labor. Prior to the narrator going into labor she and R had agreed that he will spend some time alone in nature before the birth.

The narrative shifts back and forth in time. When the narrator is 32 weeks pregnant there are warnings on the news about rising water levels. At 38 weeks, the family is informed that they will have to leave their home. At 39 weeks they are told it is a mistake and they do not have to move after all.

Returning...