Page 33 of Coram House

May 3, 1989—US District Courthouse

Sarah Dale

Sarah Dale: Did you know that mold grows roots? So even if you scrape it off the surface of a piece of bread, you’re too late. Invisible roots have already grown all the way through.

Alan Stedsan: I’m not sure I—

SD: I wonder if the House was like that. You leave. You start a new life. You think you’ll be able to wipe it all away, but it’s already too late. It’s already inside you.

AS: Whatever happened back then, it’s not your fault.

SD: Maybe. But it doesn’t change a thing.

AS: Ms. Dale—

SD: Sometimes, I wonder if sadness can spread. Like spores. If it’s not just us—the ones who were at the House. Maybe we’re infecting everyone around us.