Beyond the Bright Sea

After Maggie does some research in the local library, she learns that Dr. Eastman, the former director of the Penikese colony, now lives in Louisiana. Right away, Crow decides to write a letter to Eastman with direct, personal questions about what happened on Penikese, such as “What was the first baby’s name? The one born right after the colony opened?” and “Was there yet another baby that was sent away in a skiff?” (72). While impatiently awaiting a reply, Crow tries to focus on tending the garden and other chores. Osh shares some wisdom to ease Crow’s anxiety about the mysteries of her identity, telling her “[w]hat you do is who you are […] And what if you were one thing and became another?” (75). Despite his assurances, her daydreaming about the past continues, and she is ecstatic when Maggie finally brings her Eastman’s reply.

Maggie reads the letter aloud to Crow. Eastman admits that he was a little suspicious of Crow’s letter, wondering why someone would write out of the blue asking about Penikese. Nevertheless, he shares crucial details. Susanna and Elvan, two of Penikese’s residents, had a baby boy who appeared free of leprosy. They named him Jason and sent him to an orphanage in New Bedford.