Foiled

THE CHEMIST READS THE LETTER, and then studies Mother, her bosom hefted dangerously atop his delicate display cases, with a little bit of dread. He takes two steps backwards.

Madame, he says, I hate to be the bearer of disappointing news.

I am not afraid, Mother says.

I regret to inform you that your request has been denied, the chemist says: M. Jouy cannot leave the hospital.

And the chemist is relieved to note that Mother appears unperturbed.

I have asked them politely, is all she says, before turning on her heels and leading her children in a majestic exit, each child clutching a caramel in one hand and an ingenious tin chicken in the other.