Girls, you may socialize.”

I’d been in tight corners before. I had prevailed. That was my story to myself.

I felt entangled, though the nets around me were invisible.

Perhaps we ought not to have shared so much, but it was very comforting. “I wish I had a sister,” she said to me one day. “And if I did, that person would be you.”

but nevertheless I was thrilled to be able to read anything at all.

I have said our life was placid, but perhaps that is not the right word. It was at any rate orderly, albeit somewhat monotonous.

“Most likely it is minor, or perhaps even imaginary, as so many of these female complaints prove to be.”

“A momentary psychotic break,” I’d said. “The strain of being in a strange and debilitating environment, such as Canada, can have that effect. You did the right thing. You had no choice. I see no reason for anyone else to know about this, do you?” “Oh, thank you, Aunt Lydia. I’m so sorry it happened.

onerous: