Chapters 9 and 10 Summary

Chapter 9

Beth has taken to sleeping long hours and is barely taking care of herself, giving the children only cursory attention. She wonders about her sanity, and wants to be "checked out" mentally in order to keep her footing. Beth sees Vincent in Ben's bed and screams, thinking it is Ben. Her friend Laurie finally insists that Beth get up, and takes them both to Compassionate Circle meetings of parents who have lost children. Beth endures the sad stories of others, and finally asks how any of them got to the point they are at. Pat has to get up and leave, overwhelmed by the stories of suffering. However, Beth is finally able to go into her sons' room and look at the sleeping Vincent, who has obviously been fearful lately of "bad guys." She recalls being unsure whether she would...