Book 1: Chapter 16 - Chapter 18 Summary

Wilder cries all afternoon. Jack and Babette take him to the doctor, but the doctor only suggests giving him an aspirin and letting him sleep. They consider taking him to the emergency room, but do not go. Jack takes Babette to her posture class and stays in the car, letting Wilder sob continuously. He finds himself enjoying the cries after awhile. They are halfway home after Babette's lesson when Wilder suddenly stops crying. When they return to the house, all of the family members move carefully around Wilder as though not wanting to disturb him again. Babette remarks how thrilling it is to have all the children around and is excited for Bee to arrive. They are driving on the way to the Mid-Village Mall when Denise carefully waits, planning the right time to ask about the...