Book I Chapters 15 and 16 Summary

Claire thinks about the pills that the community members take. When she was chosen as a Birthmother, she was instructed not to take the pills. In her transition, someone must have overlooked prescribing her the pills. Claire realizes that the pills prevent the people from having feelings and emotions. This is why she feels the way she does about Abe.

It's a year later. The supply boat arrives early so it can unload before the two-day ceremony begins. Claire thinks about how Abe will be assigned to a family this year. When she gets to the Nurturing Center, a woman commands her to help with another baby, and plops Abe in his crib to throw a fit. The male nurturer tells the woman he's going home early with a headache. She starts to argue with him about...