A Narrative of Delay

Happening

This conflict flow follows the tension between Annie Duchesne’s determination to abort and the repeated delays that prolong danger.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Determination After the Certificate

Determination After the Certificate A Firm Decision After tearing up the pregnancy certificate, Annie Duchesne is determined to end the pregnancy. She understands the decision as necessary even before she has a workable plan. Time Still Needed Determination does not remove practical obstacles. She must find money, a provider, and a way through the legal danger.

Waiting for LB Waiting for LB from "Happening". Waiting for LB No Reliable Lead Annie Duchesne waits outside LB’s workplace and receives no answer.

Waiting for LB No Reliable Lead Annie Duchesne waits outside LB’s workplace and receives no answer. Each unsuccessful evening increases the feeling that time is running out. Fear of Asking She worries about making trouble for LB or attracting suspicion. The search is slowed by the same secrecy that makes help necessary.

The Failed Needle Attempt The Failed Needle Attempt from "Happening". The Failed Needle Attempt Action Without Expertise Annie Duchesne tries to use knitting needles herself, hoping to act rather than wait.

The Failed Needle Attempt from "Happening". The Failed Needle Attempt Action Without Expertise Annie Duchesne tries to use knitting needles herself, hoping to act rather than wait.

The Failed Needle Attempt Action Without Expertise Annie Duchesne tries to use knitting needles herself, hoping to act rather than wait. She cannot complete the attempt and feels overwhelmed by helplessness. Determination Survives Failure does not weaken her intention. It makes the danger of delay and improvisation more immediate.

A Holiday Delay A Holiday Delay from "Happening". A Holiday Delay Time Bought Annie Duchesne travels with P to Le Mont-Dore, postponing the visit to Madame P-R.

A Holiday Delay from "Happening". A Holiday Delay Time Bought Annie Duchesne travels with P to Le Mont-Dore, postponing the visit to Madame P-R.

A Holiday Delay Time Bought Annie Duchesne travels with P to Le Mont-Dore, postponing the visit to Madame P-R. The holiday gives her a few weeks before confronting the procedure. Escape Becomes Effort She tries to dislodge the pregnancy through skiing and falls. Recreation becomes an exhausting attempt to control what the calendar is doing.

The Waiting Ends The Waiting Ends from "Happening". The Waiting Ends Painful Resolution After days with the probe, Annie Duchesne experiences contractions and expulsion.

The Waiting Ends from "Happening". The Waiting Ends Painful Resolution After days with the probe, Annie Duchesne experiences contractions and expulsion.

The Waiting Ends Painful Resolution After days with the probe, Annie Duchesne experiences contractions and expulsion. The long period of uncertainty ends in a sudden emergency. Consequences Continue The abortion itself does not conclude the crisis; hemorrhage leads to hospital care and judgment. The apparent end opens a second phase of danger.

November 1963

Late November 1963

December 1963

Late December 1963

January 20–21, 1964