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I was crawling away froh theof Gillean but he could not hearMy mother hissed, "Slut! Whore!" My screa, "Wake up, Miss Jessie, wake up," her hands chafing ain before I realized that I had been drea into the roo shadows upon the walls The fire was low; Rabbit threw more wood onto it Cathy and her mother sat on either side of me My heart pounded into their hands and whispered, "Please, light more candles"

Rabbit did so, the fire blazed up, and soon the room was lit to the corners My heartbeats slowed, and I took a sip of the wine that Rabbit offered ly to me for a while, then Mrs Belden left the rooin to wail I clutched at Cathy's hand "Please, Cathy-do not go!

I'htened!" I said

"Jessie dear," she said, "Ihim here! Do not leave me alone!" I said

"Jessie-are you certain?"

"Yes, yes, please, bring hiht to her hand

Rabbit went out and in awith all his led her hand fro him to her at the bed She put him between us and lay down herself His screams dwindled to whimpers, and I watched as his little mouth found her nipple Immediately he quieted

I had not seen Cathy's baby, whose name was James, except from a distance since I had returned hoht, and everyone else did the sahtrief for the loss ofto the little noises the babysounds that Cathy one, but Cathy's boy was here

I reht and anticipation e had learned of Cathy's pregnancy; I remembered how beautiful she had been, and hoe had all looked forward to the fulfillment of her happiness My heart twisted as I wished that I could have made such a happy announcehtened, and if I had not run away, I would have been spending time with Cathy and her baby, would have formed an attachment to him I also knew, as I watched Cathy with her son, that I noanted to share in her happiness, to be attached to the baby, wanted to hold hiet about my own lost bairn