The Pull of the Stars

The next morning, in the kitchen, Julia notices that Tim has a bruise on his cheek. Julia asks Tim if he knocked into something or if someone attacked him, but Tim refuses to answer. Julia reflects on the how the people of Dublin treat veterans. Some thank veterans for their service, while others might judge those who return with no visible injuries. Others might criticize Tim for fighting on the British Army’s behalf. Still others might accuse veterans of having brought the flu to Ireland from overseas.

Tim gives Julia two gifts for her 30th birthday: a package of chocolate truffles and an orange. Julia leaves for work, biking to the tram station and then taking the tram to the hospital.

Back in the Maternity/Fever ward, Julia greets Sister Luke, the night nurse. Honor, Mary, and Delia are still in the three cots. Honor is saying the rosary to herself, and Sister Luke whispers to Julia that she believes Honor’s piousness is just for show. Sister Luke explains that this is Honor’s second time staying at the home for unwed mothers, which nuns run. Sister Luke explains that after giving birth, the single mothers at the home must stay for a year and do housework to work off the cost of lodging.