A Circle of Time by Marisa Montes

Author:Marisa Montes
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

“Why are there no linens in Isa’s room?” Allison asked Tere as they walked back to Allison’s room. “And other things are missing—personal things.”

Tere gave Allison a tight smile. “You are very observant, Bequita. My sister”—Tere paused, and a look of deep sadness crossed her face—“Isa poses a constant threat to herself. You saw how she was when we entered her room. Wild and uncontrollable. And this was one of her better days. She cannot be trusted alone.”

“I don’t understand. How would linens and a few trinkets around the room harm her?”

“Ay, Bequita, you are so innocent. Perhaps I should not expose you to such misery at your age. But it seemed you needed my help as much as I need yours.”

In response to Tere’s words, the hair on Allison’s neck and arms rose as if a cold wind had passed through her. Becky’s words filled her brain: I helped you, now you help me.

“Would you prefer not to help with Isa?” Tere studied Allison.

Allison recalled the tragic Isa and how kind Tere had already been to her. “No, I’d like to help with Isa. I don’t mind.”

Tere let out a sigh of relief. “I am glad. Gracias, Bequita. But there will be times—much more difficult times than today. Isa becomes despondent. She cries and begs to die. She has tried to harm herself several times. Once she broke a vase and cut her arm. Another time she pretended to be asleep and later tied the night nurse with the linens from her bed. Then”—Tere gazed down the hall—“she took the ropes from the drapes, and, if Papá had not entered at that very moment, she would be dead.”

Allison shuddered at the thought. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know.”

“That is why we removed everything from the room except the heavy furniture. Isa is very clever. We cannot take any chances.”

“But doesn’t she get cold without a blanket?”

Tere again led the way down the hall. “We give her a sleeping sedative. When Isa is asleep, the night nurse covers her and remains in her room until morning. The blanket and pillow are removed before she awakes. Sometimes, when she becomes unmanageable, her wrists must be restrained.”

“Restrained?”

“Tied to the bedposts.” Tere shook her head. “It is so sad. Mamá used to become ill after each encounter with Isa. It broke her heart to see her beautiful daughter restrained like a savage. Papá has forbidden Mamá to see her.”

“She can’t see Isa at all?”

“It has been five years since Mamá has seen Isa.”

They continued through the corridors in silence until they reached Allison’s room.

“Now, what is this about my not going to San Francisco?” Tere said, attempting a smile.

“I just—I’m a little nervous about being here alone—without you, I mean. Your father doesn’t like me, and—”

“Do not concern yourself about my father. I will speak to him. Isa and Mamá have taken well to you. That is what is important. Papa seems like a bear, but he is really a pussycat.”

More like a cougar, Allison thought.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.