The Snow Child

Garrett and Faina move into the still roofless cabin. Faina, pregnant, roams the woods with her dog. One night in late September, Faina goes into labor. The delivery is difficult even with the ministrations of both Mabel and Esther. Garrett is frantic. After hours, Faina presents Garrett a son.

Days pass, and Faina and Garrett attend to the newborn—although the child still has no name. After two weeks, Faina, despite her care for the baby, begins sitting at the window looking at the newly fallen snow. Later as Mabel rocks the baby, she sees Faina outside, alone and forlorn, looking into the woods. Mabel notices that Faina appears sickly. She fears the delivery may have left the young mother with a septic infection. Within hours, Faina is feverish and can barely nurse her child. Garrett goes outside and fashions a nest with pelts, a bed under the stars. Garrett carries Faina out and offers to stay with her, but Faina tells him to go inside and take care of their son. She assures him that she will be fine, saying, “I can breathe again” (373). Mabel stays with Faina but falls asleep in the warmth of the animal skins.