Summary

In Chapter 13, Patrick encourages Jean to think about Sonia as she considers taking Reverend Carl’s offer. She has already thought of the impact her decision might have on her daughter, but she wants more details before she agrees.

As Patrick and Jean talk about how her counter will be left off until the project is complete, she remembers the first day she wore the counter and the first time she exceeded her allotted number of words. The pain from the shock had knocked her flat.

In Chapter 14, after Reverend Carl and the others leave, Jean realizes she is so bothered by Reverend Carl because she does not trust him to tell her the truth. As Jean discusses her fears with Patrick, she can tell he is getting angry with her. He finally cuts her deeply with the words: “You know, babe, I...