In this chapter, things go from bad to worse. Taylor finds out from Cynthia, the social worker, that because she doesn't have a legal claim to Turtle, the state of Arizona could take Turtle away from her. Because she already blames herself for what happened to Turtle in the park and feels inadequate as a parent, Taylor contemplates withdrawing into a protective shell and denying that she has responsibilities to people other than herself. She feels victimized. However, Kingsolver reverses the roles that she's established for her main characters by having Lou Ann, who is usually the victim, get mad at Taylor. Here, Kingsolver once again emphasizes the important interdependence between people. Lou Ann tells Taylor to do what Taylor has told her to do: to stand up and fight. Lou Ann's uncharacteristic reaction underscores the fact that Taylor, Lou Ann, and their children have become a family. They stick up for each other and prove that family values prevail over unjust laws.
Taylor is relieved when, after only a few weeks, Turtle begins to speak again. During visits to the social worker, Turtle plays with the anatomically correct dolls and often puts them under the blotter on Cynthia's desk. Note that Taylor is convinced that Turtle is "planting" the dolls. Here, Kingsolver foreshadows the future as Cynthia expresses her concern about Turtle "burying" the dolls.
Confused about what would be best for Turtle, Taylor talks to Mattie, who encourages Taylor to look at the situation from a different perspective: to ask herself whether she wants to try to raise Turtle. Taylor and Mattie's conversation emphasizes that mothers can only do their best to keep their children safe; nobody can protect a child from the world.
