Summary

In Chapter 13, Miriam chooses a time when Caleb and Hannah are at homeschool, and Samuel is away. She has the oil and mimics the routine as much as possible. Miriam asks if Joanne believes “that I have the power to heal you” (214). She takes a twitch of Joanne's leg as affirmation. Miriam wonders if Joanne knows what Miriam is doing. She knows she is taking a risk but imagines “If anyone understood having two lives, it was Ma” (214). Miriam feels the heat and tingling where her hand touches Joanne's forehead. A breeze enters the room. Miriam hears a scream and is surprised to discover it is hers. She passes out as Joanne wakes. Miriam wakes a few minutes later to find Joanne awake. Joanne's first words are “What did you do?” (216). She picks up the bottle of oil. Miriam says Samuel was not...