The Wall

February passes quietly, with the protagonist watching the nature around her. She notices the crows, sticking to the same routine every day, and begins to use them to help tell time. She notices that the cat is once again affectionate but moody, and suspects that she is again pregnant. Despite the cold, the protagonist continues to go outside and find work to do. She tries to make plans for the future, but becomes impatient by how the winter weather hinders her.

In March, the cat demands that the cupboard door be opened and when the protagonist grants her access, she gives birth to another litter of kittens. This time, there are three kittens, and all alive. None look like Pearl. After a week, the cat introduces the kittens to the protagonist and Lynx. The kittens are playful. One day, the runt of the litter dies after it suffers a seizure while playing. The cat laments her kitten, but seems to forget her soon after.

Spring approaches and the protagonist names the other two kittens Tiger and Panther. Both are males, but before the protagonist can become attached, Panther wanders into the brush and never returns.