Klara and the Sun - pages 111 to 167

Summary of pages 111 to 167

In the period following the interaction meeting, Josie recovers her strength somewhat. Rick visits frequently, initially sitting awkwardly but eventually relaxing while Josie sketches in bed. They fall into playing the 'bubble game', where Josie draws pictures with empty speech/thought bubbles, and Rick fills them in. At first, this involves happy reminiscences, but the game's mood shifts as they begin discussing more serious topics during play. Rick voices concerns about Josie's portrait sessions with Mr Capaldi, finding the artist's methods 'creepy', while Josie interprets his worry as jealousy related to their future 'plan'. Klara observes this, learning more about their shared history and anxieties.

The bubble game becomes increasingly tense. Rick hesitates over drawings he finds disturbing or difficult to interpret, such as one featuring figures with giant eyeballs, and another showing a shapeless figure between the sisters from the interaction meeting. Josie grows impatient with Rick's hesitation and interpretations. Their conversations drift towards Rick's reluctance to apply to Atlas Brookings college, which Josie connects to his mother Helen's influence and a perceived lack of ambition that threatens their 'plan'. Josie contrasts Helen's choices regarding Rick not being 'lifted' with her own mother's 'courage' in proceeding with her, despite the risks highlighted by Sal's death. This culminates in Rick writing a sarcastic and hurtful message in a bubble, mocking Josie's situation, before storming out.

After Rick stops visiting, Josie becomes withdrawn. She eventually draws a special picture for him, which Klara offers to deliver. Klara crosses the fields to Rick's house, noting its state of disrepair. Rick is moved by Josie's drawing ("Rick and Josie forever") but explains his hurt over Josie's remarks about his mother and her conflicting expectations. Klara reveals her belief that Josie's illness is serious but that there's unspoken hope for recovery, asking Rick's advice about reaching Mr McBain's barn at sunset. Helen then appears, awkwardly proposes Klara tutor Rick for Atlas Brookings, and relates a disturbing memory of seeing Josie's mother struggling with a girl resembling the deceased Sal emerging from the fields years after Sal's death. Helen asks Klara to convince Josie to keep pressuring Rick about college. Rick agrees to visit Josie soon.

Josie's health declines further. Rick resumes visits but is only allowed brief moments at her bedside. Klara tells a despairing Rick she still has hope but needs to revisit the barn. She asks him to confirm their love is genuine, needing this as a "bargaining" point; Rick affirms it is "real and everlasting". That evening, Rick carries Klara across the fields to the barn just as the Sun sets. Inside the barn, amid familiar store elements and farming tools, Klara pleads with the Sun, apologising for failing to destroy the Cootings Machine (having realised there was a second one) but asking for Josie's healing based on the true love between her and Rick. She sees multiple reflections of the Sun's face in stacked glass sheets before he departs.

Discussion questions for pages 111 to 167

1. How does Klara's limited understanding of ‘lifting’ and social class affect her understanding of relationships?

2. What ethical issues arise when AI deeply cares for humans?