Summary

In Chapter 41, it is August 7, 1945, at the American Armed Forces R&R Center at 19 Gernackerstrasse in Garmisch, Germany. It is now Elsie’s fifth day taking the tea, but it has yet to take effect. Suddenly, she doubles over in pain. Robby rushes to get a doctor, a man named Meriwether. Meriwether gives her charcoal-infused water to drink to flush the poisons from her body. The baby has been lost, but Elsie has also poisoned herself. Meriwether gives her amore water and a chalk-like tablet, telling her she must now eat something to help. He promises not to tell anyone, including Robby. Meriwether considers Elsie just a kid, as he is much older, but Elsie tells him she has experienced more of life than he could imagine. Meriwether tells Elsie she must rest. He then departs.

In Chapter 42, it is May 5, 2008, at the...