Chapter 7 Summary

The next morning the sun wakens Hagar, and she wonders why she's cold and stiff and sore. She remembers that Doris used to bring her breakfast and for a minute, she thinks about how nice it would be to be home again. However, she doesn't want to give Doris the satisfaction of being right about Hagar not being able to take care of herself. Hagar also fears that once she is shipped off to the nursing home, there will be no escape.

Having renewed her determination to be self-sufficient, Hagar notices her thirst. In a characteristic manner, she recalls a snippet of poetry: "Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink." Calling herself a mariner, she wonders what albatross she killed. Feeling happy, though, Hagar finds an old bucket filled with rainwater from which the sparrows are drinking. She carries the pail...