A God in Ruins

Nancy’s illness begins with a headache. The school nurse tells her that she has a migraine. When she gets home, she falls asleep until nine o’clock in the evening. Over the next few days, she has more headaches, but they are less severe. She assumes that the pain is simply a function of getting older. While Teddy is away with Viola at an agricultural show, Nancy decides that moving to York would be good for the family. 

Shortly after the move, Nancy’s left arm begins to tingle and feel numb. She gets another migraine. One afternoon she goes blind in her left eye for 10 minutes. She begins seeing doctors but does not tell Teddy; instead, she turns to her sisters. One day she tells them that she has news from the hospital, and it is the worst possible scenario: Nancy has widespread and inoperable brain cancer. She leaves her sisters, promising to go home and tell Teddy, ending his fears of her having an affair. 

Nancy spends the next few weeks staying as busy as possible. She cleans the house and buys clothes for Viola that will last through her next two sizes. She begins playing the piano again, determined to enjoy some of her final weeks.