XII. Present: This Green and Laughing World Summary

Isobel wakes and asks a nurse about the woman in the other bed. The nurse says there has not been anyone in the other bed. Isobel learns that the current date is April, 23 1960, and she has been in the hospital since April 1. Eunice and Carmen visit, and Eunice says that a tree in the backyard of Arden fell on Isobel while Gordon was trying to chop it down.

Audrey visits and Isobel learns more about events of recent weeks. Mr. Baxter killed himself over depression from being forced to leave his job as headmaster. Mr. Rice still lodges with the Fairfaxes at Arden. There never was a baby left on the doorstep, but the dog that arrived at the backdoor still lives with the family. Hilary and Richard are alive and...