But Damienne examined me, touching my body and my face. She listened to me breathe and felt my belly and at last she said, “These berries have not poisoned you. It is hunger and fear sickening you.” “I could not stop myself from trying them,” I said. “I was craving fruit. Forgive me.” Sorrowfully, she rocked me in her arms. “You will not die,” she said. “You are only sick as you must be.” “I am punished,” I said.
