Bridie was First Child, First Daughter. Those whom they buried before they could speak, before uttering that first scream of terror as they entered the world, were three. Three. Three babies between Bridie and Michael, none living. The prayers of the priest did not bring them back. What use was he, impotent except to utter that it was God’s will and it was up to God’s mercy to forgive their original sin.

Sin? Bridie, now old enoug...