Summary

Chapter 19: By midsummer, Elisabeth has moved home with her dog. She misses her snail, but the time has come to return it to its native woods, which her previous caregiver does for her. She and the snail are both returning to their original habitats, though Elisabeth is still not entirely free from the limitations of her illness. From her window, she watches the seasons, the weather, and various plants and animals.

Chapter 20: By autumn, Elisabeth is well enough to have the snail's single remaining offspring come to live with her. During the winter, the young snail estivates. Elisabeth thinks about a snail's quick life cycle compared to the slower pace of the human world. As she continues to heal more and more, snail-watching demands increasing patience and Elisabeth wonders at what point in her convalescence she will leave the snail world behind...