Chapter Twelve: Welcome to the Indigent Ward and Chapter Thirteen: A Scream in the Night Summary and Analysis

John and Jenny upgrade the traditional birthing room to a birthing suite at the hospital; however, when the big day arrives both the suites and regular rooms are full. Jenny is shuffled to a section of the hospital affectionately referred to by the staff as "the indigent ward." The nursing staff of this ward is the best the hospital has to offer, since most of the babies born to migrant workers are high-risk due to their lack of prenatal care. John waits anxiously with the Mexican fathers, who all share the universal expression of concern mixed with helplessness. Once baby Patrick arrives, a deluxe suite opens up, but even the gourmet dinner holds...