The Leonbergers’ Failed Welcome

This thread traces how the promised family reunion becomes an unstable placement, prompting Kidd to retrieve Cicada.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Graveside Arrival

The Graveside Arrival Family history made visible Kidd brings Cicada to the graves of her parents and sister before continuing to the Leonberger farm. The grave markers establish the losses behind the family’s demand that she return. A reluctant welcome Cicada asks to go back with Kidd, but he believes his promise and the family relationship require him to continue. Their arrival does not resolve the emotional contradiction of sending her to strangers.

A House of Strangers

A House of Strangers Different meanings of home Inside the Leonberger house, Cicada studies photographs, furniture, and covered windows as alien objects. The household expects her to resume a German family identity she cannot remember. Discipline instead of patience Anna tells her to get up and be corrected; Wilhelm emphasizes work. Their response treats cultural difference as disobedience, making the promised reunion a source of new pressure.

The Community Celebration

The Community Celebration A public homecoming Neighbors gather to celebrate Cicada’s return, bringing food and praise while she hides in the barn. The communal ceremony centers on the story of recovery rather than the child’s present feelings. Private responsibility avoided Adolph tells Kidd that the relatives did not adopt their nephew and may not accept legal obligations for Cicada. The warning exposes the difference between public sentiment and sustained care.

The Night Errand

The Night Errand A child left alone Kidd sees Cicada crossing the dark field with halters and a heavy bucket, sent out to fetch horses. The task is dangerous and reveals that her relatives have not made her welfare their priority. Evidence decides the matter Red marks on her arms suggest she has been whipped. Kidd’s doubts become certainty: leaving her here would expose her to further harm.

The Return to Kidd

The Return to Kidd A chosen departure Cicada drops the bucket and runs to Kidd, saying she will go with him. Her plea makes the separation from the relatives immediate and unmistakable. A new definition of duty Kidd turns the wagon north and accepts the practical and moral consequences. His responsibility is no longer to deliver her but to protect the child who has chosen to trust him.

Early April 1870, outside D’Hanis

The first day at the Leonberger farm

The day after the reunion

The evening after the celebration

That night, at the Leonberger farm road