Jesse sits up in the chair, blinking. “That felt different.”“In what way?”Jesse’s focus shifts as she tries to catch something elusive. “Just . . .” She struggles. “It wasn’t very happy, was it? At the end, I mean. In the beginning it was different.” She doesn’t want to tell him what she felt then—that sense of tenderness, of love without boundaries. It’s too precious to talk about.“You became a little anxious so I brought you out earlier than I’d planned. We made progress, though.”“Oh?” Jesse’s not sure. It feels like she’s walking an emotional high wire between light and dark.“I want to show you something. Two somethings.” He hands her the sketches. And watches.Jesse stares at the woman’s face first. Her eyes soften as she touches the paper.“How does this make you feel, Jesse?”“Happy. If she’s an anomaly, I’m glad.”“And this?” Rory gives her the second drawing.“I . . .” She hesitates. “I don’t know what it is.”Rory waits.“Is it a crucifix?”
