Part 1, Chapter 2 Summary

Amanda recalls reporting Mathilda missing to Sheriff Kuhtz. She cannot face returning to the island, but even the old family farm house holds nightmares. She convinces herself that all will be well if she refrains from checking Mathilda's bed. Amanda treats puncture wounds around her thumb. When Ruth cries for her mother in the morning, Amanda knows that Mathilda is gone and that it is wrong to shush the crying girl or lie to her. Ruth cannot be fooled. Amanda dreams of walking towards Mathilda but being unable to reach her. Amanda is drowning in grief as she clings to Ruth.

Amanda keeps a scrapbook of news clippings about Mathilda. Carl writes that he is coming home. By 12 February, Amanda has prepared for him the room where her own mother suffered her stroke while Carl and Mathilda were courting. Their father...