Chapters 23-24 Summary

Hours later, the nurses bring the baby to Annie for a visit. She names him Carlton. Annie naming him herself upsets Carl, but the mention of his birth name touches him. Annie confesses that she wants another child, though the trauma has left Carl to wonder if they should. Annie also shows excitement about the birth announcement in the local paper. Annie writes a long letter to her mother about the birth. Carl writes a brief note to his mother as well.

Soon after the birth, Henry, from the grocery at the university, dies. Annie learns that the baby is not thriving on breast milk and must use formula. This upsets Annie and makes her feel like a failure as a mother.

Carl feels that with the new baby, his time is too full. The dean helps him get a job...