On December 31, Ruthie returns to Dr. Friendlich. The two paramedics who transport her are not Bobbie and Clay; they do not speak much and do not introduce themselves. After removing the cast, Dr. Friendlich studies an x-ray. He decides to put just Ruthie’s broken leg in a cast; he says that although it is getting better, it is healing slowly. She will still have to stay in bed for at least two more months but can relearn how to sit up and use her left leg. Ruthie is surprised at how hairy her left leg is. The doctor warns her not to try to stand or walk: “You’re not ready yet” (153). Ruthie does not even remember how to stand.

Back at home, Mami weeps in the kitchen. Ruthie believes Mami feels bad for herself, since she has to continue to stay in and care for Ruthie. Ruthie calls her and convinces her to bring shoes so that Ruthie can put one on her left foot. Mami brings many pairs from which Ruthie can choose; she picks platform-style gold lamé sandals. Ruthie asks Mami to wear the right-foot shoe, and when Mami lies in bed alongside Ruthie, they look like “a complete person” (156).