Summary

In Chapter 13 the timeline returns to 2009. Nora is the character of focus in this chapter. Just as she did for other family members, it was Nora who planned and fixed food for Patrick’s wake and funeral. The phone rang, interrupting her work. It was Sister Alma telling her that Mother Cecilia would be arriving in Boston at three the following day. Nora wondered how her sister would fit in with the family. She also remembered the Miraculous Medal her sister had sent to Patrick and decided he needed to be wearing it. She called John to pick it up on his way to the wake.

Meanwhile, Nora put her anger into chopping up a head of lettuce. She had told her sister about Patrick’s death to punish her, not because she wanted her to come. In the past, Nora had considered telling...