The Snow Child

Mabel frets that Faina and Garrett are spending too much time together. When Faina tells Mabel that she has decided to spend the summer with them, however, Mabel is certain Faina has fallen in love. Jack says nothing, but later he sees the two making love in the woods. When Jack confronts Garrett, he punches the boy in his rage.

Faina and Garrett share moments of tenderness in the woods. They anticipate the summer and making love in the wild. They take every opportunity to kiss, to hold each other and “taste each other’s lips and eyes and hearts” (323).

Jack is sure that Garrett will not be back to help plow. Garrett, however, returns with the late spring to help with Jack’s field per their standing agreement, but the two men do not talk.