Stella by Starlight

After school, Stella and JoJo return home but cannot find Mama. Their dog Dusty behaves oddly; he barks and runs part way into the woods. Following him, they find Mama unconscious on the ground. Stella thinks she spots a snake slither away and sees bite marks on Mama’s ankle. She takes control in a calm but rapid manner: she sends JoJo to tell Dr. Hawkins, then find Papa. She gathers clean water, whiskey, and wound dressings from the house to disinfect and wrap the bite area: “Stella had no idea if she was doing the right thing or not. She was pulling from a gut instinct she didn’t know she had” (277). She wraps Mama in blankets, puts a cold compress on her forehead, and prays while waiting for help.

When Papa arrives, he carries Mama to the house. Doc Hawkins is in Raleigh at a conference, so Papa sends Stella to Dr. Packard for help. Papa relies on the thought that even Dr. Packard has family members he loves. Dr. Packard is rude to Stella as soon as she arrives, however, and refuses to treat Mama. Stella tries mentioning that she knows his daughter Paulette, and tries to persuade him to help: “But what if…what if it was Paulette or your wife that got snake-bit?” (285). It does not work, and Dr. Packard threatens to call the sheriff if Stella does not leave. He tells her to read his “White Patients Only” sign before shutting the door. 

Back at Stella’s house, Mrs. Winston brings elderberry-willow tea for Mama and fixes food for Stella and JoJo. Papa discusses frankly with Stella and JoJo Mama’s chances of survival; he says the outcome of a rattler bite is more dire than that of a copperhead. He says there isn’t much they can do, now that Dr. Packard refused to treat Mama: “So we’re gonna depend on our friends to keep her comfortable, and our God to pull her through. Understand?” (288).

Mrs. Odom arrives suddenly. She drove to Raleigh in her car to fetch Dr. Hawkins, and he treats Mama with “antivenom.” Papa hugs and thanks Mrs. Odom, who never usually brings her car out of its garage. Papa tells Stella that Dr. Hawkins commended her actions, which helped Mama survive.

Stella writes some facts about snakes and snakebites in an article for her pretend newspaper. She reveals that Mama is alive and recovering, but has stomach cramps and numbness, and may have permanent damage to her leg. Stella mentions that the medicine that saved Mama is antivenin: “Spelling is hard enough without dooctrs doctors changing things” (292). 

On a cold night in December, Stella cannot sleep and sneaks from the house. She walks along the pond and is surprised to hear a splash. She sees a white arm reaching for help from the water and goes in to rescue the person. She catches hold of a girl and with great difficulty swims toward the shore to safety.

The girl is Paulette Packard. Paulette admits that she went into the pond purposefully, thinking that if she got sick, her father Dr. Packard would pay more attention to her. Paulette admits that her father is unkind at home and even abusive to her mother. Paulette is horrified to hear Stella tell how he refused to treat Mama: “You don’t understand, Paulette! My mother could have died!” (301). Stella insists that he is part of the Klan, and Paulette concurs. Stella cannot help but show fury and threaten to tell, but when Paulette tells Stella she should inform others about her (Paulette’s) father, Stella is surprised. She takes Paulette to the Millses’ house to warm up and change clothes.

In another article for STELLA’S STAR SENTINEL, Stella writes about the elements of fire, earth, water, and air, describing their taste and smell. She then discusses “the last basic element” (203): truth. Her example explains her decision not to tell anyone that Dr. Packard leads the KKK group; everyone realizes the truth of the hate that exists in Dr. Packard, “so there is really nobody to tell” (305).

Mama’s leg is still swollen and painful from the snakebite, so Stella works hard to help with chores and baking. Mama offers to help: “Stella, honey—I might not be fit for dancing, but I can certainly stir some batter” (307). Stella, however, wants to complete the task herself. Papa leaves for a shift at a second job, but he promises to see the Christmas pageant, which Stella is helping to direct. Stella, Mama, and JoJo decorate the Christmas tree with popcorn, buttons on strings, and feathers.

The community of neighbors comes together to watch the schoolchildren put on their Christmas pageant. The children enter singing “Away in the Manger,” but soon things begin to go wrong. A king crown falls and rolls across the stage, one of the wise men’s gifts spills, and lines are improvised; when Mary complains about a barn instead of an inn, Joseph replies: “I’m doin’ the best I can, woman! Times are hard!” (316). Everyone laughs, enjoying the performance and the atmosphere of fellowship. 

Stella writes a brief “Christmas Edition” of the SENTINEL just before dawn on Christmas morning. She compares the approaching sun to a peach, then stops to appreciate her metaphor: “(editor’s note: wow! That was pretty good! […] I just might glue this to the wall!)” (319). She also mentions the roosters who will crow as the sun appears. They have no interest in flying nor seeing what is beyond their daily view. Stella, however, does.