The River Between Us Versions of Reality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Cass didn't find the time to mope and mourn now she had Calinda. Calinda was the sister Cass needed. I'd hugged her to me and wiped her nose. But she needed what I couldn't give. Her and Calinda spoke a language I was deaf to, a language of prophecies and cures, of visions and the medicines waiting out in the timber to heal the afflicted. They spoke in tongues foreign to me, even when they weren't speaking at all. (6.18)

It must be a great day for Cass when she discovers she's not the only one who can see things. Phew, right? The rest of her own family must seem totally tone deaf compared to Calinda.

Quote #5

In the deepest part of the night, I came awake to see the trundle empty and Cass over on the windowsill. Her face was silvery wet with moonlight. She stared at what wasn't there, and I saw in her slump that it was the old Cass come back, Cass having a fearful vision.

She was so silent that I don't know what woke me. But she was bent in agony. One hand clutched the other arm, and she rocked back and forth, gray with pain. (6.26-27)

It was bad enough for Cass when she only saw bad things. Now she has to feel them, too? Man, no rest for the weary.

Quote #6

"He's bad sick, you know," she said. "He is. I know things. Where do you think Cass gets it? She gets it from me. I want him back. Go get him." (9.22)

We're not saying Mama doesn't have Cass' gift, we're just saying it doesn't take a prophet to know dysentery will break out in an army camp.