Chapter 5 Cont.

Naturally, Delphine begins work at Waldvogel's Meats, spending most of her day in the kitchen with Eva. As she learns more about this fascinating family, puzzles over her relationship with Cyprian, and deals with the pain that she feels over the dead family in her basement, she feels comforted by the soothing presence of Eva. She is a symbol of fortitude and order for Delphine, and having some structure in her day and something akin to sisterhood with someone like that is just what she needs. However, as time goes on, she begins to notice that Eva is suffering from some invisible ailment. She becomes sunken and tired, complaining of abdominal pains. Finally, she collapses and Delphine feels a strong sense of despair yet again as her signature luck kicks in. True to her character, she begins to take care of everything: writing notes, reassuring the children, driving Eva to the doctor and the hospital and doing anything she can to keep things running smoothly. In a bit of foreshadowing, the reader can see how Delphine is slowly taking Eva's place in the Butcher shop and in the home, even before she is gone. For better or worse, Delphine finds that where tragedy lies waiting, so does her purpose for continuing to exist.