The Second Life of Mirielle West

After the dousing, Mirielle showers and dresses, then sets out to look for Jean to apologize for her cruel behavior. Mirielle climbs the observation tower and visits the rec room where the radio is kept but cannot locate Jean. Mirielle stops at the canteen, but Jean is not there either. Frank works behind the counter as usual, and Mirielle feels she owes him an apology, too. However, Frank will not speak with her and only tosses a letter in Mirielle’s direction. The letter, from Charlie, is brief and states Helen has been hospitalized with scarlet fever.

After reading the letter, Mirielle runs to the administrative building, demanding to see Dr. Ross: She wants to temporarily leave Carville to go to her ill daughter. Dr. Ross says it would be nearly impossible to obtain permission from the health departments of the five states through which Mirielle must travel because there are strict rules about quarantining leprosy patients. He also observes that being near her daughter would be dangerous, too, as children are susceptible to the disease. Unable to accept the decision, Mirielle is ushered out by Sister Verena, still protesting.

As they walk across the colony, Mirielle appeals to Sister Verena.