Several weeks after her appointment with her doctor, Rosalind lets Rhiannon and Abigail know she’s been diagnosed with stomach cancer, which has spread. She’s chosen to treat it aggressively, so while she’s undergoing treatment, Genevieve stays with Abigail. Ever since the Duchards moved in with Abigail and her mother when Abigail was thirteen, she’s come to regard Genevieve as the kid sister she never had and enjoys the time they spend together.
Abigail continues her DNA study and is pleased with the responses she’s received. A number of her cousins have sent samples and the few who haven’t sent letters back or called to say why they aren’t interested.
One person she still hasn’t heard anything from is her cousin Barbara, so during her lunch break one afternoon, Abigail phones her.
“Hello, this is Barbara.”
“Hi, Barbara, this is Abigail Worthy. I’m —”
“I know who you are. You’re Rhiannon’s daughter. I know all about you.”
“Oh really? And what would that be?”
“Is there something I can do for you?”
“I’m calling to see if you received my request for a DNA sample and if so were you planning to participate.”
“I received it and I have no intention of taking part in it.”
“Mind if I ask why?”
“You people think you’re above God with your science and technology. Well one day you’ll be held to account for your arrogance.”
“The study is voluntary and has nothing to do with God. It’s informational. I’m not trying to clone someone.”
“Whatever your intentions are, I can’t imagine the Lord is pleased. But that’s not for me to determine.”
“Funny, you seem to have a lot of opinions on the matter.”
“What’s Rosalind up to these days? Since she moved to the West Coast, I never hear anything about her.”
“You’ve not been in touch with her recently?”
“I haven’t spoken to Rosalind in ten or twelve years.”
“She’s recently been diagnosed with cancer. It’s been tough on her and Genevieve.”
“Yes. Genevieve. Rosalind had that once before, I recall. I’ll remember her in my prayers.”
“Maybe you could give her a call. I’m sure Aunt Rosie would love to hear from you.”
“I very seriously doubt that, young lady. She won’t want to hear anything I’ll have to tell her.”
“I don’t understand.”
“There is a lot you don’t know about your aunt — the type of woman she is. What she’s capable of.”
“What does that mean?”
“Never mind. It was a long time ago. If you talk to her, tell her I haven’t forgotten. She’ll know what I’m talking about.”
“Okay.”
Barbara concludes the call. Abigail sits a few moments pondering it, then crosses Barbara’s name off the list.
