The Sculptress by V.S. Alexander

Author:V.S. Alexander [Alexander, V.S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-11-16T00:00:00+00:00

Entry: 19th August, 1917

My journal appears no worse for wear after its voyage across the Atlantic. I suppose I shall open it from time to time to record my thoughts. It has become an old friend—one steadfast and reliable.

I feel sequestered here in John’s house. He is a demanding man, but not quite the ogre that Virginie makes him out to be. He can’t be all bad; how could he, doing the service he does? I think his jabs are a game. He torments Virginie (and the rest of his staff) in order to make her stronger. War is not for the faint of heart. But underneath John’s gruff exterior lies a decent and caring soul. The thought of his return to England frightens me a bit. I will need Virginie’s help, along with others, in order for my work to succeed.

I’ve had little time to think, to rest. John is relentless in his teaching and pushes me each day to learn more. I think of Tom on occasion, but not as often as I should, causing sporadic bursts of guilt. The studio has taken over my life. Of course, I imagine the same is true for Tom—once he was transported here, his surgical duties consumed him. I should be upset he hasn’t telephoned me. However, he could say the same. I know his work is as demanding as his devotion to the Hippocratic Oath. Sometimes, I think he’s like a boy playing doctor whose world has become violently real. But I’m ashamed when I fault a good man. American doctors are needed in France.

I admire his willingness to serve.

My lack of attention to my husband has caused me some guilt. Under John’s tutelage, I’ve remembered the faces I’ve seen since arriving in France: the child at Le Tonneau, the woman who sat across from me on the train, the injured soldier who struggled to walk on crutches in the compartment, the soldier who appeared at John’s front door.

Each of these faces triggers a memory—one I’d rather forget.

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.