CHAPTER 34

Summary

• In 1936, Philipose is carrying a dying baby and has arrived at Saint Bridget’s Leprosarium, seeking help.
• He wrestles with the fear and desperation of the situation he's in, comparing entering the leprosarium to stepping into hell. He displays maternal instincts towards the baby, feeling as if he's the baby fighting for survival.
• The gatekeeper at the leprosarium initially tries to turn them away, as children aren't allowed in, but Philipose insists on seeing a doctor for the dying baby.
• A second doctor, a white man, decides to help after witnessing the dire state of the baby.
• Philipose manages to communicate the condition of the baby, using peculiar English language he picked up from reading texts such as "Moby-Dick," to the surprise of the doctor. The baby has stopped breathing and has something blocking its throat.
• Because the doctor is recovering from surgery and can't use his hands well, he guides Philipose in performing an emergency tracheotomy on the baby.
• Despite the fear, blood, and nausea, Philipose follows the doctor's instructions, making an incision, inserting an instrument, opening up the wound, and cutting into the baby's windpipe. Once this is done, the baby is able to breathe again.
• Philipose helps the doctor insert a tube into the baby’s windpipe and stitch the tube to the skin.
• The doctor explains that the baby was suffering from diphtheria and praises Philipose for his initial diagnosis. He expresses relief over their supposed immunity to the disease given their age.
• Following the successful operation, the baby is alert and attempts to cry with no sound due to the tube bypassing his vocal cords. The doctor warmly welcomes the child back to life, expressing hope for its future.