Summary

The next section takes place in March, 1937. Naomi is serving Henry's supper when he says they should marry. From her view, Henry gives her a desperate smile. Henry has been looking for someone to save him, beginning with “Pastor Tom, who gave him Jesus, and then with the twins, who still admired him at least a little” (240). Naomi knows he will never have enough. He commands her to think about it. She says, “There's nothing to think about” (241). He misunderstands, thinking she agrees. He says God has a plan, that Naomi is already like a mother to the twins and that the twins bind them together. Naomi tries to think of an alternative. Pastor Tom asks Henry if he has talked to Naomi. Henry tried to use the arguments Pastor Tom suggested, but feels he “botched” it. He says Naomi has not agreed...