Skylark

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

Caleb’s homesickness worsens, and he has nightmares. Sarah writes to Jacob daily and rereads his letters to ease her sadness about missing him. Fall is coming, and Caleb mentions returning to school. Aunt Harriet suggests he visit the school nearby, but Caleb cries and says he wants to return home and attend school on the prairie. He leaves the house in tears, and Anna follows to comfort him. Caleb wonders if they will ever see their father again. Anna silently holds him while he cries himself to sleep.

It is August, and Caleb catches two fish while fishing with William, but he is still sad. That afternoon, Papa arrives, surprising the children and filling them with joy. He happily reports that it finally rained at home. He marvels at the sound of the sea, and he and Sarah walk alone by the water. Later, Papa and Sarah announce that Sarah is having a baby in the spring. Anna worries because her mother died in childbirth, but Papa and Sarah assure her that all is well.