Isola

by Allegra Goodman

I asked, “Why would he want to?” She sighed. “Why do men like him do anything? Because they can.”

“Those who know their faults are truly wise,” the Queen said. “And those who have endured the worst have most to teach. Do not say, then, that your story does not deserve retelling. Tell me, rather, how I might reward you for offering what you have learned.”