Chapter 9 Summary

Whenever Astrid wakes, Demerol, doctors in masks and nurses with soft hands await her. Astrid thinks about Playa del Carmen in Mexico where she and her mother spent time during the tourist season. As she slips in and out, she tries to understand Starr. Starr has been caught trying to see her son by the police. Ingrid has written several letters. It warms Astrid to see her mother imploring her not to leave her alone in the world. She's also grateful that her mother never once says I-told-you-so.

Astrid is recovered enough to watch a magician who came to the hospital to entertain. She tries not to think about Ray who ran away when she needed him the most. Perhaps he felt guilty for ruining her life. Perhaps he's been pleading with her to leave him alone, knowing the inevitable end. She also...