The Second Life of Mirielle West

It is 1926 in Los Angeles when Mirielle West burns her hand. She visits Dr. Carroll, who is concerned about a lesion on Mirielle’s hand and orders her to go immediately to County General Hospital to be examined by a dermatologist.

The dermatologist locates additional lesions on Mirielle’s body, from which he takes samples. Mirielle worries they may be cancerous, but the dermatologist will not speculate on a diagnosis without examining them. Though Mirielle wants to return home, the doctor insists she stay in the hospital isolation ward.

Mirielle remains in the hospital room all day—both her door and the window are locked. In the evening, an orderly brings a sandwich and water, but leaves without providing information from the doctor. Mirielle lies in bed, wondering what the lesions might be.

In the morning, Mirielle dresses, awaiting information from the doctor and discharge from the hospital. Later, her husband, Charlie, arrives. He reminds Mirielle of a social commitment they have that evening, then reads a newspaper while they wait for the diagnosis. The newspaper indicates that a leprosy patient is present there at County General, awaiting transport to an isolated colony for treating leprosy. Mirielle is shocked to learn the patient is Pauline Marvin—the false name that Mirielle gave the hospital.