Summary

Joanne takes out the Advent calendar, a sign of the Christmas season. The calendar has been used for many years. This year they are two weeks late. When Miriam and Caleb hear Joanne scream from upstairs, Caleb rushes up. A short time later, he returns. Joanne is wearing heavy foundation, obviously covering the injury Samuel just inflicted. She insists “It looks worse than it is” (178). She says Samuel has had a difficult time recently and “He doesn't mean it” (178). Miriam says there is no excuse. Miriam and Caleb hold hands as Joanne starts cooking dinner. Samuel does not join them for dinner. Joanne has the children sleep with her in the living room. Miriam and Caleb pretend to be excited about it. Miriam wakes during the night to discover Joanne coming down the stairs with her suitcase. They talk quietly, not waking Caleb...