Polly and Nettle’s Friendship

This flow traces Polly Chalmers’s practical loyalty to Nettle Cobb, the everyday care that helps Nettle recover, and the grief that remains after her death.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Place to Start Again

A Place to Start Again Help after institutionalization Polly supports Nettle’s return from Juniper Hill and helps her secure work and a home. Nettle’s recovery depends in part on being treated as a neighbor rather than a problem. Trust built through routine Their friendship grows through shared work, domestic help, and patient attention. Nettle’s nervousness does not disappear, but she becomes more capable of acting in the world.

A Gift of Shelter

A Gift of Shelter Raider joins Nettle’s life Polly gives Nettle a puppy, Raider, offering companionship and a daily responsibility. The dog becomes a source of affection and routine. A bond with the living Nettle cares for Raider even when neighborhood complaints make her anxious. The dog represents a connection she can protect after a history of harm.

A Day of Courage

A Day of Courage Entering the shop alone Nettle overcomes her fear to visit Needful Things and buy a carnival glass lampshade. Polly and Rosalie watch her succeed and celebrate her independence. The friendship continues Nettle later brings Polly food when Polly’s hands are at their worst. Her practical kindness matters more than the object Gaunt has sold her.

The Last Visit

The Last Visit Care offered freely Nettle brings Polly lasagna and helps her use warm gloves during an acute arthritis flare. She stays to make coffee and offers reassurance. A warning not heard Nettle hints that Wilma will leave her alone, but Polly does not recognize the danger. Their conversation is ordinary and affectionate until it becomes the last time they see one another.

A Funeral and an Absence

A Funeral and an Absence Friendship mourned Polly arranges Nettle’s funeral and grieves with Rosalie and Alan. She remembers the woman who had been kind to her in a time of severe pain. Care cannot reverse loss Polly understands that her help gave Nettle some good years, but cannot prevent Gaunt’s manipulation or the final violence. She carries both gratitude and sorrow forward.

1987–1991

Spring 1991

October 10–11, 1991

Morning of October 13, 1991

October 15, afternoon