Part Three Summary

Chapter Twenty-three: Post-ORIF

This chapter addresses Wanda's experience in the hospital after her accident.

Wanda lies immobile in the hospital. Her body is being cared for by doctors, nurses, and technicians but Wanda's dream-self is in charge of her internal landscape. For a time, Wanda dreams that she is an actress who is miscast over and over again. In each flawed production, Wanda finds that she is completely out of her elements. The sets are too small; the lighting is all wrong; there are no stagehands to help. The audience seats are empty.

Eventually Wanda comes out of the coma and begins her conscious recovery. The entire time Wanda is in the hospital, either Troy or Margaret is by her side.

Wanda Schultz hangs a sign around her nick which reads, "Not deaf. Mute by choice" (226).

Wanda returns home. Margaret, Susan...