The Book of Longings

by Sue Monk Kidd

We women harbor our intimacies in locked places in our bodies. They are ours to relinquish when we choose.

“To avoid a fear emboldens it,” she said. I said nothing. “All shall be well, child.” I reared up then. “Will it? You cannot know that! How can you know that?” “Oh, Ana, Ana. When I tell you all shall be well, I don’t mean that life won’t bring you tragedy. Life will be life. I only mean you will be well in spite of it. All shall be well, no matter what.”