Chapter 47

Summary

• The setting is The Perch in Binsey, near the River Thames, described as picturesque with picnic tables, a blooming garden, and a weeping willow.
• Hazel is seated outside, having insisted on doing something alone, despite now regretting not having her mum by her side.
• A woman, Dorothy Bellamy, dressed in professional attire, arrives in the back garden and approaches Hazel.
• Hazel, who had been avoiding Dorothy, a journalist, believes Dorothy might connect her to her lost sister, Flora, and is determined to fix her past mistake.
• Hazel greets Dorothy, who introduces herself as Dot and mentions feeling like she has been there before. Dot prepares to interview Hazel with respect.
• Dorothy's familiar voice and red lipstick trigger Hazel's sense of recognition. Hazel is struck by a deep knowing and is compelled to tell the truth.
• Hazel notices a birthmark on Dot's wrist that looks like rabbit ears or angel wings, furthering her sense of familiarity.
• Hazel tells Dot about an "invisible place," evoking a shared hidden knowledge. Dorothy is initially confused.
• Hazel reveals her realization that Dot is her long-lost sister, Flora, which terrifies Dot initially.
• As Dot reveals more of herself, removing her sunglasses and hat, Hazel remains convinced, holding onto Dot's hand with the birthmark.
• Hazel pleads with Dot to recognize their connection, and gradual realization dawns on Dot's face.
• In an emotional moment, Dot acknowledges that Hazel is her sister, and they embrace, overwhelmed with the reunion.
• Dot struggles to reconcile her current identity as Dorothy Bellamy with the emerging memories of her being Flora, Hazel's lost sister.
• Memories of Hazel's past life as Flora and familiar images flood back to Dot, affirming her true identity as the River Child.
• The public at The Perch witnesses their emotional exchange, and Dot imagines a "shimmering door," reminiscent of childhood fantasies.
• Hazel confirms to Dot that their mother is still alive and has never stopped searching for her.
• The sisters discuss Dot's dreams and past, revealing that her journalist work on lost children was actually a search for her own lost identity.
• They resolve to explore their rediscovered relationship and fill the missing pieces of their shared past.
• Dot recalls Hazel's stories of a magical place called Whisperwood, and they sit together to talk further.
• Dot has a vivid recollection of falling into the river as a child, leading to the truth that she had been Flora all along.
• Hazel reassures Dot that this time she is there for her, and Dot won't be lost again.