2nd Winter - FAINA RETURNS

[Brantford]

Faina's disappearance over the summer puts some distance between Mabel and Jack because they respond so differently to it.

Jack, who knows the truth about Faina thinks she is gone forever. Mabel who believes there is a magical element to Faina is ever hopeful and cheerfully spends the summer sewing her a coat.

When Faina returns with the snow, Jack feels he must confess the truth to Mabel about Faina's past. This causes Mabel to run away from the homestead in a fit of grief.

Do you think Jack should have been honest with Mabel from the very beginning, despite his promise to Faina or do you think it would have been better to have never told her the truth at all?

[Anna]

I'm not sure there was a correct way to handle the truth about Faina's existence. Jack knew Faina would leave forever if he told anyone about her father, so really he was protecting Mabel by keeping the secret.
Actually I thought it all turned out for the best the way it happened because when Jack finds Mabel in the woods, they are given the opportunity to discuss the death of their child and share their grief for the first time. This turns out to be a real healing moment for them.

[Karen]

I think Jack should have told the truth from the beginning. Lies and secrets cause too much pain, grief and embarrassment when found out.