We left the village behind us and she sped up again. I was beginning to feel sick. Wherever we’re going, I prayed, may we get there soon before she bloody kills both of us. Just then, the car screeched as she swerved left onto a narrow lane. I closed my eyes as I was thrown forward and held on for dear life. Jesus, I was at the mercy of a madwoman.

Eventually, the car shuddered to a stop. I was afraid to open my eyes.

“Come on, dear,” Mrs. Shaw said cheerfully, “come and see your new home.”

Slowly, I opened my eyes. In front of me was a massive, three-story house made of red brick and covered with ivy. I sat looking up at it, unable to move.

“Do you like it?” Mrs. Shaw said as she climbed out of the car and adjusted her scarf. “My dear late husband had it built for me. It is identical to the house where I grew up in County Longford. He thought it would cure my homesickness, and it did.” She looked down at me. “And when your memory returns, I hope it will do the same for you, because I can tell by your brogue that Ireland is where you grew up as well.” She stretched out her hand. “Come along now, dear.”

My legs trembled like jelly as I climbed out, and I put my hand on the car to steady myself. I thought I might faint. I must have turned pale because Mrs. Shaw put her arms around me. “Sit back down in the car, dear. I will have Beatrice bring you some water.”

She disappeared into the house and I leaned back against the car seat, breathing heavily. A few minutes later, I squinted at a figure coming toward me. It was a woman carrying a tray with a glass of water with lemon in it. As she came closer, I saw she was wearing a black dress with a white apron and was flashing a big smile. I sat upright. I thought I must be seeing a ghost. The woman’s skin was black as tar. I was sure I’d never seen the likes of it. If I had, it was buried with all my other memories. My mouth fell wide open and I gaped at her like an eejit. If she realized I was in shock, she never let on. She just kept smiling that big smile.

“Here you are, miss,” she said, handing me the glass of water. “You like some more lemon?”

I shook my head no, unable to speak.

“Cat got your tongue, child?” she said, laughing. “Ain’t no need to be afraid of old Miss Beatrice. I ain’t never done nobody no harm.” She slid the tray under her arm, all the while peering into my face. “I ’spect you never saw the likes of me where you come from, did you?”