Chapter Twelve
Weeks pass. For a time, Chrissy is reproachful and sullen when we approach the cage. Later she is reluctant and fearful. She no longer remembers the reasons she once had for undertaking this journey. She is reduced to a sort of elemental awareness, clinging to the security of the cage, whimpering when we drag her from it, scampering back when we allow her.
It is a difficult time for all of us. Mrs. Kraft and I never leave Chrissy alone for long at this stage. We seek a breakthrough, but it means taking the girl into dangerous territory. We have to push her hard, and sense the precise moment when she can no longer be pushed.
She only comes out of the cage for a few hours a day. Sometimes she is only fed (never too much), watered, and bathed. More often we amuse ourselves w
