The Girl and Edna Kinsella

Foster

Edna’s relationship with the girl moves from practical hospitality to intimate daily companionship and a painful farewell.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The First Kiss The First Kiss from "Foster". The First Kiss Awkward closeness Edna kisses the girl and asks about the last time she saw her. The girl answers literally, speaking of a broken pram.

The First Kiss from "Foster". The First Kiss Awkward closeness Edna kisses the girl and asks about the last time she saw her. The girl answers literally, speaking of a broken pram.

The First Kiss Awkward closeness Edna kisses the girl and asks about the last time she saw her. The girl answers literally, speaking of a broken pram. A shared beginning Edna laughs and wipes the girl’s face with her thumb. The small exchange begins a relationship that balances affection with the child’s guardedness.

The Bath and Hairbrush The Bath and Hairbrush from "Foster". The Bath and Hairbrush Close attention Edna bathes the girl, untangles her hair, and finds clothes that fit.

The Bath and Hairbrush from "Foster". The Bath and Hairbrush Close attention Edna bathes the girl, untangles her hair, and finds clothes that fit.

The Bath and Hairbrush Close attention Edna bathes the girl, untangles her hair, and finds clothes that fit. Her touch is both familiar and distinct from Mary’s care. Comfort without a name The girl cannot yet describe what she feels in Edna’s hands. Their bond is established through sustained, attentive acts rather than declarations.

Working Side by Side Working Side by Side from "Foster". Working Side by Side Domestic companionship The girl and Edna cook, clean, weed, bake, and prepare food for storage. Tasks give them a daily rhythm together.

Working Side by Side from "Foster". Working Side by Side Domestic companionship The girl and Edna cook, clean, weed, bake, and prepare food for storage. Tasks give them a daily rhythm together.

Working Side by Side Domestic companionship The girl and Edna cook, clean, weed, bake, and prepare food for storage. Tasks give them a daily rhythm together. Belonging through participation Edna includes the girl without making her responsible for the household. Work becomes a language of companionship rather than a measure of the child’s worth.

Edna’s Tears Edna’s Tears from "Foster". Edna’s Tears A hidden wound appears After John criticizes the girl’s clothing, Edna goes upstairs and cries behind the bathroom door.

Edna’s Tears from "Foster". Edna’s Tears A hidden wound appears After John criticizes the girl’s clothing, Edna goes upstairs and cries behind the bathroom door.

Edna’s Tears A hidden wound appears After John criticizes the girl’s clothing, Edna goes upstairs and cries behind the bathroom door. She returns without pretending that she has not cried. Love and pain entwined The girl sees that Edna’s concern is not merely household propriety. Her attachment is vulnerable, and the girl’s treatment touches something painful in her.

The Final Hug The Final Hug from "Foster". The Final Hug A lasting invitation Edna hugs the girl and says she can return whenever she likes.

The Final Hug A lasting invitation Edna hugs the girl and says she can return whenever she likes. The girl watches her leave with John and feels the weight of separation. A bond retained The invitation does not promise that the girl can remain. It gives their relationship continuity beyond the period in which they shared a house.

the first afternoon at the farm

the first evening at the farm

during the first weeks at the farm

the Saturday before the wake

the Sunday evening goodbye