Chapter 6“T
here! Aunt Sister’s house.” Ceci points to the cross on the frozen lawn in front of the massive old monastery. Connie looks up the steep rise. It’s a five-minute trudge from the road, and she’s shivering by the time she presses the bell.
The doors of Holy Name Retreat House open to a bright light that blinds Connie’s weary eyes. The tiny, ancient nun at the threshold seems similarly startled as if a band of hungry raccoons had shown up in the parlor. She looks past Connie into the driveway.
“Has your car broken down?”
“No, Sister. I’m here to see Sister Margaret Jude.”
“I’m sorry, that’s not possible—”
“I probably should have called first but I’m sure she’ll want to see—”
“She’s not here.”
“I can wait—”
“Jude doesn’t live here anymore.”
Connie sways on her feet, suppr
