Summary

In Chapter 6, years later, Zorrie felt herself aging. She began to lose her sight. She could no longer ignore "time's ruthless determination" against her body (145). Her skin and hair were weak and she could not move as quickly. She had trouble completing small tasks. In order to make up for these deficiencies, she tried working harder "in the field" (145). These efforts, however, could not ameliorate her poor health. She began to have so many accidents that the townspeople noticed. They suggested that she "ease off a little" (146). She hired more help, and started devoting most of her time to the garden.

Then one weekend, Zorrie's friends, Lester and Emma, invited her to attend "the state fair" with them (148). Zorrie accepted. She had a wonderful time. They ate rich food and visited with the animals. The little adventure gave Zorrie "an idea [that] she chewed...