The Second Life of Mirielle West

It is now nearing Christmas. After the incident with Lula, Mirielle is not allowed to assist with the fever trials. She returns to the tasks at the infirmary and is even made to scrub floors. At this point, Mirielle considers quitting entirely. Frank enters and gives the nuns some Christmas decorations from the What Cheer Club. Mirielle assists in decorating the infirmary, thinking about how she and Frank have not spoken since their interrupted kiss.

As Mirielle walks to house 18, Irene catches up to her. She tells Mirielle she has good news: A bouquet of flowers is on display at the house—an annual gift from her son. Mirielle cannot help but admire them, and memories of past Christmases flood her. The house members chat about the upcoming holiday, but Mirielle grows angry, certain it will pale in comparison to the holiday celebrations to which she is accustomed.

When she and Irene are alone, Irene tells her that she has received her 10th negative test. Irene is joyful, certain she will reach the 12th consecutive negative test and go home. Mirielle remains angry, shouting at Irene that neither the flowers nor the Christmas decorations can “change the fact that [they are] lepers” (229).