The Age Page 24

  The tributes draw to a close, an empty pause before the minister steps forward with his final words. People stand as attendants in suits prepare to lower the coffin. Past the rows of heads bowed in prayer, Gerry gets one last glimpse of Mrs. Cross before she slips out through the crowd.

  Mourners gather in the centre aisle, make their way to the front, take up palmfuls of sand to dust their good wishes over Henry. When they turn to walk back, Gerry can’t help but look more closely at the men, study their faces, just to be sure. She senses her mom on guard beside her, body tense as she follows Gerry’s gaze. “Too tall,” her mom whispers. “Too old.”

  As the last handful of sand skitters over the coffin and the last of the guests leave, her mom sighs. “Your father was terrible at saying goodbye.” Gerry leans against her, relieved for a moment not to hold herself straight.

  Together they trudge over the marshy grass back to the car. The sky cuts blue above them, air tangy with the smell of a nearby pine grove. Gerry lags behind, drawn back by the soft shovelwork as men in suits continue the burial. She watches them, the reverent way they lift and carry the soil, tilt their shovels to let it fall gently over Henry.

  “You okay?” her mom calls.

  Gerry turns, surprised to see her mother already so far away, alone amid the tombstones, lifting her feet to keep her heels from sinking into the grass. Gerry nods but doesn’t feel ready to move, the ground between them so yielding and fragile, she must take each step with care.

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  The benefits of being married to a better writer are far too many to list. This book owes everything to John Vigna, whose dedication to craft, editorial instincts, gourmet chef skills, and cowboy heart inspire me daily.

  I’m so grateful to my family, especially Nancy Chen and Monica and Dave Ilett, my constant cheering section. And to the Lyin’ Bastards: Sally Breen, Dina Del Bucchia, Keri Korteling, Judy McFarlane, Denise Ryan, and Carol Shaben for their guidance, support, and fearless approach to the work.

  Thank you, insightful readers who helped this novel through its growing pains: Laisha Rosnau, Jennica Harper, Steven Galloway, Annabel Lyon, and Jennifer Lambert, and countless friends who provided encouragement along the way: Marita Dachsel, Charlotte Gill, Andrew Gray, and Bob Breen. Much gratitude to my fine colleagues at the SFU Writer’s Studio, the UBC Writing Centre, and the UBC Creative Writing Program, and to the many students I’ve been privileged to teach.

  I acknowledge, with thanks, the funding support of the Canada Council, Canadian Heritage, and B.C. Arts Council. Parts of the novel came to fruition during residencies generously supported by Historic Joy Kogawa House, the City of Richmond, the University of East Anglia, Ville de Vincennes, Île de France, and Centre National du Livre. A special thank you to Francis Geffard, the Festival America Association, and Dominique Chevallier for a life-changing experience when I needed it most.

  Anne McDermid and Martha Magor Webb have believed in me longer than any agents should. And finally, I’m grateful for the intelligence, grace, and patience of Ellen Seligman and Kendra Ward.