Avery and Calvin’s Lost Connection

Lessons in Chemistry

This thread follows Avery Parker’s long, frustrated search for the son taken from her and the misunderstandings that prevent reunion until after his death.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Forced Separation A Forced Separation from "Lessons in Chemistry". A Forced Separation A Young Mother Silenced Avery becomes pregnant as a teenager and is sent to a home for unwed mothers.

A Forced Separation from "Lessons in Chemistry". A Forced Separation A Young Mother Silenced Avery becomes pregnant as a teenager and is sent to a home for unwed mothers.

A Forced Separation A Young Mother Silenced Avery becomes pregnant as a teenager and is sent to a home for unwed mothers. She refuses to surrender her baby, but is isolated during labor and told that her child was stillborn. A Loss Concealed The institution gives the baby up for adoption instead. Avery leaves with no child and no reliable account of what happened.

A Search Begins A Search Begins from "Lessons in Chemistry". A Search Begins A Nurse’s Revelation A nurse tells Avery that her son was adopted and later sent to All Saints Boys Home.

A Search Begins from "Lessons in Chemistry". A Search Begins A Nurse’s Revelation A nurse tells Avery that her son was adopted and later sent to All Saints Boys Home.

A Search Begins A Nurse’s Revelation A nurse tells Avery that her son was adopted and later sent to All Saints Boys Home. The news revives a hope she had been forced to bury. A Delegated Journey Avery sends Mr. Wilson to look for the boy because she is afraid to go herself. The choice places the search in another person’s hands at a critical moment.

The Bishop’s False Report The Bishop’s False Report from "Lessons in Chemistry". The Bishop’s False Report A Convenient Death The Bishop of All Saints tells Mr.

The Bishop’s False Report from "Lessons in Chemistry". The Bishop’s False Report A Convenient Death The Bishop of All Saints tells Mr.

The Bishop’s False Report A Convenient Death The Bishop of All Saints tells Mr. Wilson that Calvin is dead, inventing a story that lets the home establish a memorial fund. Wilson returns with no son and no reason to question the claim. A Mother Deceived Avery accepts the report, believing the search is over. The lie exploits her fear of scams and delays the chance to meet Calvin while he is still a child.

Letters Without a Reply Letters Without a Reply from "Lessons in Chemistry". Letters Without a Reply Reaching for Her Son Avery writes to Calvin several times, explains who she is, and offers to support his research.

Letters Without a Reply from "Lessons in Chemistry". Letters Without a Reply Reaching for Her Son Avery writes to Calvin several times, explains who she is, and offers to support his research.

Letters Without a Reply Reaching for Her Son Avery writes to Calvin several times, explains who she is, and offers to support his research. She chooses to move slowly, afraid that an unexpected claim will sound like another scam. Silence Misread Calvin does not answer. He has received many false family claims, and the letters do not overcome his suspicion before his death.

The Late Reunion The Late Reunion from "Lessons in Chemistry". The Late Reunion Proof at Last Madeline’s letter gives Avery enough detail to authorize an investigation into Calvin’s adoption.

The Late Reunion from "Lessons in Chemistry". The Late Reunion Proof at Last Madeline’s letter gives Avery enough detail to authorize an investigation into Calvin’s adoption.

The Late Reunion Proof at Last Madeline’s letter gives Avery enough detail to authorize an investigation into Calvin’s adoption. Avery comes to Hastings to explain that she is his biological mother. Grief Shared Elizabeth’s account of her love for Calvin allows Avery to know something of the son she lost twice. The reunion cannot restore their years together, but it ends the false history that kept them apart.

When Avery is a teenager

Ten years after Avery is told her baby died

When Mr. Wilson visits All Saints

After Calvin becomes a known scientist

Near the ending, after Madeline contacts the foundation