She learned from a friend.

I thought Pearl had forgotten.”

She had not forgotten.

She had learned to conceal what she remembered.

Desmond invited me to sit with his daughter in the conservatory.

Vivian objected to leaving us alone, but Pearl took my hand before anyone could debate the matter.

Her fingers were cold.

She led me past a room full of orchids, to a bench overlooking the walled garden.

I did not begin with questions about danger.

I asked about the rabbit.

His name, she signed, was Captain.

She showed me how his right ear folded differently from his left.

Then she showed me the sign for rain, and I made it fall across the glass with my fingers.

For the first time, her mouth curved upward.