The Memory of Trees (36 page)

‘She’ll escape the thorns. The bush will perish eventually and she’ll be free of it, won’t she?’

‘Not in our lifetimes.’

‘No. We’re rid of her, even if the world isn’t.’

‘Your dad was right about that. She was here long before us and will remain long after we’re gone.’

She shivered. She said, ‘He was right about most things. What he did here couldn’t have been more wrong.’

‘I’m sorry he’s dead.’

She smiled. ‘He was dying anyway. His death from his disease would have been grotesque. She said it was quick, instead. I believe her.’

‘I do too.’

Lastly, Fran helped Curtis close the well hatch. There was a sigh as it descended through space and crashed back into place. It could have been the sound of corrosion in an iron hinge. It could, though, almost have been human.

BRODMAW BAY

THE COLONY

DARK ECHO

THE HOUSE OF LOST SOULS

THE MAGDALENA CURSE

THE WAITING ROOM