The Frustration of Not Finding a Library When You Really Need One

Summary

• The chapter opens with Nora in a state of panic as a polar bear rapidly approaches her.
• In a desperate survival attempt, Nora fires a signal flare into the water. However, the bear continues moving towards her.
• Nora attempts to scare away the bear by loudly clanging a ladle against a saucepan and shouting "BEAR," but to no avail.
• Nora considers reaching for a nearby rifle but realizes it is too far away to be useful in time.
• Desperately, Nora shouts out for a supernatural entity known as Mrs Elm and begs to be transported back to a place called the Midnight Library, an apparent haven from the adventure-filled life she is currently leading.
• Nora realizes the true terror in the fact that to the bear, she is nothing more than food.
• In the face of imminent death, Nora finds that she doesn't want to die after all, and that life suddenly seems more attractive.
• Her desire to live presents a problem as she needs to be disappointed in life, not just scared, in order to return to the Midnight Library.
• In a final act of bravery, Nora continues to create noise by banging the ladle against the saucepan. She repeats to herself that she is not scared.
• Surprisingly, the bear slips into the water and disappears, leaving Nora banging the saucepan in relief. Shortly after, Nora hears other humans calling her name through the fog.