CHAPTER 16 "Labor"

Five weeks after Dr. Mason's appointment, Elizabeth and Six-Thirty return library books. Six-Thirty has noticed that Elizabeth's water has broken, and her hunger pangs are pre-Labor contractions. Elizabeth is confident that she has two weeks left to deliver. As they approach the library, Elizabeth doubles over in pain; 13 hours later, Madeline is born safe and healthy.

The next day, Elizabeth leaves the hospital against the doctor's orders and returns home to Six-Thirty, who is waiting outside. For the first time in a long time, Elizabeth, Madeline, and the dog feel like a family. Madeline's wails ten minutes later break the mood.