Meeting James Carter was unexpected, and even now, he remains in her memory as that exceptionally gentle and refined big boy. She had seen him running with his long-sleeved legs, seen him in the swimming pool like a flying fish.
Seeing him now, however, Jane Sampson felt a pang of sorrow for him; he must have left their circle due to a physical ailment. Because of the limitations to his legs, James Carter's walking pace couldn't be fast. He took a couple of steps, then turned his head toward Jane Sampson and suddenly asked, "Or maybe you should go up first? I might be a bit slow."
There was not a bit of embarrassment on his face, nor any trace of moodiness in his tone, as if what he said was a very minor concern.
From his question, Jane understood that James had already come to terms with his present situation, whether good or bad—he had bravely accepted a new version of himself.
At that moment, Jane saw courage in him, the kind needed to face the truest self.
