Chapters 31 - 32 Summary

31. The Sheltering of Melancholy

Ann talks to Chris, at first only to tell him that the pine trees have died because the water is shut off. Chris realizes that Ann really does not know that she is dead. To make any sort of connection he tells her he has water at his house; he also has electricity. Chris hopes that by pointing out the illogic of her surroundings, Ann will question them, question something, anything. Her apathy is too deep for such a simple ploy to work. She remains in abject suffering, unable to do anything about it. Chris attempts a different connection by asking if she has children. She tells Chris that she has four. Chris pounces on this next similarity; he lists the names of their children, hoping for some kind of recognition. Instead, Ann turns away from him...