MISSING: Chapter 4

MISSING
Chapter 4: Es muss sein

Her father is a form of doctor – a dentist – and a good old boy from back in the day. He contributes faithfully to Cretin-Derham Hall and runs with the boys from St. John’s. He remembers coach Griak from the University days. He follows the rules and saves his booty. He invests, and earns his wife.

She is harshly beautiful: Dutch. Thorned exactly like an Irish rose: a tomboy; a father’s favorite; a rebel with access to mother’s cigarettes, all-too-happy to leave a brother and 2 sisters at the home of her parents’ alcoholic fights.

He follows directions well. He admires the father, Abraham. He wants 7 children – at least – right away. She wants to prove herself. She thins to infertility. She changes her mind when she becomes pregnant. Perhaps she resents her belly, that baby. She would pop the bubble if she thought he could bear it. But so it is that she lets herself burst. And so comes forth a girl.