Part 1, Alice, Chapters 7-8 Summary

Next morning, Alice rudely avoids saying goodbye to Nellie, who heads to Romania to care for sick babies. In from chores, Howard finds Alice too limp to help him dress her. He insists that she bear up and keep in motion for the girls' sake, assuring her that no one blames her over Lizzy. Alice is silently doubtful. A comment by Claire makes Alice wonder if Claire reincarnates her own mother, which means that Lizzy might be planning her own return. Alice had never expected to live beyond 18. After watching the Collinses leave, with only Audry waving, Alice sleeps until dark. She cannot see how she will ever turn this into an amusing story, as Howard suggests. She wishes that he could sense her pain. After urging her to seek professional help, he reminds her of a...