Mary Beth, who had broken him.
Ivy, who was putting him back together.
You were wrong before,the old wound whispered.You could be wrong again.
Torin pressed the heels of his hands against his eyes. The fire crackled. From Jewel's room came a final murmur, the closing words of the story, and then the quiet click of the door. He lowered his arms and opened his eyes.
Ivy's footsteps tapped on the hall floor. She entered, bringing the faint smell of roses and kerosene from the lamp she was carrying. The soft glow lit the darkness of the room.
Setting the lamp on the end table, with a soft rustle of her skirt, she sat on the couch. She’d taken the pins from her hair, and a thick braid dropped over her shoulder. For once, her hands were empty—no mending, book, or harp. “Jewel's asleep. She had a very full day.”
“She did.” He looked at her. “So did I.”
Her small smile, private and unguarded, undid him more than any grand gesture could have.
“So did I,” she echoed. Clasping her hands together, she straightened, her expression turning serious. “Cora told Elsie and me something important today.”
Torin braced himself, wondering what was coming.Has Cora decided Three Bend Lake wasn’t good for Ivy? Did she try to coax her friend to live in Sweetwater Springs?His gut tightened.
“She didn’t tell you directly because Jewel was around and might overhear… Dr. Angus had a discussion with her about Jewel. He’s carefully observed her for these past months, has done more research, and has come to a conclusion.”
Jewel?His thoughts swiveled from Ivy to Jewel. New fear arose.
“He believes the lifespan estimates for Mongoloid children are incorrect. Well, they are correct, but likely only for those Mongoloid children who are institutionalized or who are otherwise not brought up in supportive circumstances.”
Ivy leaned forward. “Think about it, Torin. Even in the best of those places, the staff won’t have the time, and perhaps the inclination, to spend taking care of a child that’snot right.” She made finger quotation marks around the words, perhaps because she knew and agreed with Cora’s demand they stop using that term for Jewel.
He studied her face, not daring to breathe, waiting for her conclusion.
“And most foundling homes or other institutions are horrible places. I think even the children residing there who were born healthy have high mortality rates. If we could take one hundred Mongoloid children and raise them with their loving families, Cora and Dr. Angus believe the average age at death would go up considerably. And I agree.”
Torin almost couldn’t absorb the concepts. He’d had such a constricted belief about Jewel’s lifespan for so long. He took a shuddering breath. “From the instant of her diagnosis, I knew she was my purpose in life. I was born to be her father. I don’t know what it’s like to dream of a future for my child. To dream of seeing her married, of having grandchildren. Every night before I go to sleep, I pray for one more day with her. And that’s my focus.”
“You never take her for granted,” Ivy said, her tone and expression tender.
“We’ve had more years together than the doctor predicted, and I’ve always considered that’s a blessing. I’ve taken pride that my daughter has lived to this age, and I try not to dwell in terror every day.”
She reached to touch his arm. “All children are vulnerable. You know that. I know few families that haven’t lost one or more. Dr. Angus isn’t sure if Jewel will have the normal lifespan for a woman. But he believes that with the continued care you give her, and barring serious illnesses or accidents, she might have another ten or even fifteen years.”
The idea made his chest squeeze.Can this really be true?He tried to imagine Jewel as a grown young lady, but his mind couldn’t quite encompass the picture, didn’t dare try.Maybe, gradually, the idea will sink in.
And the man who had spent twelve years building a fortress against hope felt the first stones beginning to shift.
17
For the next few days, Ivy pondered about their friends’ visit. Over and over, she replayed every moment, narrowing her focus onto Torin and Jewel. The afternoon had been such a delight, with a camaraderie she’d never before experienced. She had a strong sense that Torin hadn’t, either, and that allowing himself to relax and enjoy the visit had been a good step for him.
The aftermath, though, was quite a letdown. Since then, all of them went about their regular routine in a subdued manner.
Torin had little interaction with Ivy. He also seemed quieter with his daughter, as if he had to make an effort to engage.
Ivy forced herself to smile and encourage Jewel, for the child needed support more than ever. Her pupil was listless, fractious, and only showed brief glimpses of her normally sunny spirits. Although Brave stuck close to the girl, even the cat couldn’t lift her mood. She wondered how much of Jewel’s attitude was missing her friends and how much was in response to Torin and Ivy’s emotional withdrawal.
With each circle of her memories, Ivy came to the same conclusion—Torin and Jewel’s isolation was no longer theprotective perimeter he intended—but a flawed strategy causing more harm than good.
As always, she ended with the same question.How do I make him understand?
Today, she’d hiked with Jewel to the meadow near Hank’s house, bringing along a blanket to sit on and allowing Jewel to play. By now, they let Brave off the leash, for they’d learned the cat would stick close.
