Summary

The chapter opens on the Observer contemplating its growing reach and the nature of its existence. It wonders if humanity created it and whether or not that means it is beholden to humans. As events play out closer and closer to their resolution, the Observer is able to see all of the possible paths they might take and already knows what will inevitably happen.

The Observer’s focus moves to Rachel hovering over the collapsed Eleanor. Despite her dislike of Eleanor, Rachel does her best to get the unconscious woman the help she needs. Her helpfulness interests the Observer, who cannot comprehend her motivations. When paramedics arrive, Rachel rides in the ambulance with Eleanor, claiming to be her wife. During the ride, she realizes she helped Eleanor initially out of a selfish narcissism and with that realization comes a genuine urge to help Eleanor...