The Wonder

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

On Saturday evening, Wright learns from Kitty that the last thing Anna consumed before her fast was the wafer she received at her first communion. Wright names constellations for Anna, and tells her that the constellations in the Southern Hemisphere are different. The next afternoon, Wright takes Anna out for a walk and is disturbed by her slow pace. She tells Anna about the tree tied with rags; Anna explains that the tree is near a holy well, and that dipping a rag in the well and tying it to the tree will heal ailments. Wright finds a bush full of red currants and encourages Anna to eat. Anna refuses, but holds berries in her hands for birds to eat.

That evening, Wright regrets her haste in running away from Byrne, and wishes she could get his opinion on Anna’s health. She slips a note under his door early on Monday morning. When she arrives at the cottage that same morning, Wright asks Kitty whether Anna has confided in her about the fast. Kitty feels attacked and Rosaleen intervenes. Before leaving, Sister Michael tells Wright that the community have spotted her out hiking.