The Salt Path

At the shed, formerly a meat-processing room, Moth and Raynor set up their tent in the middle of the room. Polly does not ask for rent, but she does ask Moth to finish the shed. Raynor is grateful for shelter but also feels empty inside. Moth’s pain and stiffness have increased. They see Moth’s doctor, who tells them that he “has accelerated his own decline” (204). They spend Christmas with his brother.

Raynor struggles to find work. Though she has many skills from the farm, none of it is documented employment. They work to complete the shed while Moth feels as though he is becoming more forgetful. In early May, Polly finds work for Raynor as a “wrapper,” someone on a shearing team who gathers the wool as it is sheared off the sheep. The work is physically demanding and requires long days. The other workers rarely interact with her. The days run together as Moth continues to finish the shed. Raynor recognizes that the relationship between her and Polly has shifted as she is now a tenant who pays no rent. Polly invites them to stay as long as they like and approves of the job they are doing on the shed.