The next day, after Lulu cooks Henry’s breakfast, he schedules a house call with Dr. Collins for her. She has been feeling strange since Esther was born.

When Dr. Collins comes, Lulu is not sure whether she should mention her headaches, nausea, and smelling colors. She lies when he asks how much sleep she’s getting. The doctor tells her that this time isn’t the same as when she had Wesley. Lulu assumes that she is flawed in some way—that other people experience happiness she simply doesn’t. Then, she remembers that her mother knew the truth: “Happiness was a fool’s errand” (156). The doctor tells her that she’s physically fine but has what he calls “hysteria” and “housewife syndrome” (157). He confirms that it’s common for women in her situation to feel as she does and gives her a prescription for a tranquilizer called Miltown, which he refers to as “emotional aspirin.” Soon, he assures her, she’ll feel better, and Henry will be happy again. After he leaves, Lulu realizes that she forgot to tell him about her rash.

Within a few days, Lulu feels calmer, but not like the advertisements claim. She still feels wobbly and on display, as though she’s “suspended in one of [her] own gelatin salads” (159).