The Wonder

Content Warning: This chapter contains depictions of an eating disorder.

On Thursday morning, Wright returns to the cottage for her next shift. She privately reaffirms her suspicion: Although Anna truly believes that she is living off of manna from heaven, someone must have been feeding her before the nurses’ watch began. When Anna wakes, she asks Wright again for her first name. Wright tells her that her name is Elizabeth. Anna asks what Wright’s family calls her, and Wright explains that she has no family left. Wright takes Anna out of the cottage to take a walk. As they walk, Wright teaches Anna more riddles. On their way home, Wright and Anna run into Dr. McBrearty. Wright tells him that she is concerned Anna is developing scurvy, and that she seems anemic. Dr. McBrearty gently but condescendingly warns Wright not to overstep her boundaries as a nurse. As they walk toward the O’Donnell family’s cottage, a group of visitors seeking Anna’s blessing approach, and Wright rushes the girl inside.

Inside the cabin, Wright has her first real conversation with Rosaleen, Malachy, and the maid, Kitty. Wright believes that the O’Donnells’ son Pat has emigrated, and asks how long it’s been since the family has heard from him.