Summary

Ann Fay is put into something that resembles a diaper, and she believes this is her punishment for killing her brother. Her mother is forced to leave, and Ann Fay has a nightmare about wisteria choking her. In the bed next-door is a young Black girl named Imogene. This surprises Ann Fay, even though she learned in the newspapers that the polio hospitals also care for Black children. A nurse comes in and puts a Kenny pack on Ann Fay. This is the newest treatment for polio and it is hot and itchy. She hears a voice telling her that the Kenny packs are worse at the beginning but eventually it gets better. The voice is Imogene. She tries to help Imogene when it is her turn by repeating the same mantra, but they both laugh because they...