Whistler
by Ann Patchett
Contents
Interstitial — 1
Overview
In 1980, Leda’s sudden appendicitis reveals Eddie’s steadiness and deep care for Abigail and the girls. After visiting the hospital, Eddie impulsively takes Daphne to view stars near a raspberry farm; with headlights off, the car slides off the road. Daphne’s seat belt saves her, Eddie is injured, and the accident plants the guilt that will shape the family’s future.
Summary
On a January school day in 1980, Leda suddenly becomes violently ill at lunch. The school nurse calls her mother, Abigail Triplett, who debates work obligations but, prompted by Eddie Triplett’s advice to check for appendicitis, takes Leda home, presses on her right side, and rushes her to the ER. Surgeons remove a ruptured appendix while Abigail waits in fear.
Eddie calmly organizes support: retrieving the car, picking up Daphne, packing bags, and bringing Abigail dinner. Leda sleeps post-surgery; Abigail refuses to leave her bedside. Eddie drives Daphne home in the winter dark, their rapport warm and easy.
Talking about treats for Leda leads Eddie and Daphne to detour to a raspberry farm Eddie once visited. He proposes stargazing from the parked car. On the isolated, unlit hill, Eddie switches off the headlights to let their eyes adjust. As they crest near the top, both gaze up at the stars and the car slips off the road into darkness.
The Impala tumbles and comes to rest on its left side. Eddie’s foot is badly injured, but Daphne—who buckled herself—answers when he calls. Realizing she is alive, Eddie is flooded with love and future guilt. The accident, born of a small, impulsive choice, will reverberate through the family.
Who Appears
- Eddie TriplettAbigail’s husband; calm, supportive, suggests appendicitis check; later drives Daphne to stargaze, turns off headlights, crashes, injures foot, and is wracked with love and guilt.
- Daphne ZabriskieNine-year-old; admires Eddie; helps pack for Leda; goes stargazing; buckles seat belt and survives the crash, deepening her bond with Eddie.
- Abigail TriplettMother; torn between work and care; follows Eddie’s advice, gets Leda to ER; keeps vigil at hospital, reflecting on competence and fear.
- Leda ZabriskieSeven-year-old; suddenly ill at school; diagnosed with appendicitis and undergoes surgery; sleeps post-op, prompting the later errand.
- Mrs. RussellLunchroom lady who compassionately cleans up and carries sick Leda to the nurse.
- School nurseIdentifies Leda’s high fever, contacts Abigail, and initiates the path to the hospital.