A Plot Summary Of A Secret Sorrow

The excerpt from the book A Secret Sorrow, by Karen Van Der Zee, explains a woman's challenge of dealing with a permanent internal injury in her love life. The main character, Faye, was involved in a serious car accident that robbed her of the ability to have children. After the accident, Faye broke off an engagement with her fiancé and moved in with her brother. There, she fell in love with her brother's friend, Kai, to whom she had to reveal her tragic injury.

Faye's dilemma began with Kai when he asked, "Who is Dr. Jaworski, Faye?"� Dr. Jaworski was a psychiatrist to whom Faye was recommended to go, in order help deal with her depression. Kai knew of him because he had found a piece of paper that Faye dropped in his room with the doctor's name on it. Faye did not want Kai to know of her injury and refused to tell him why she was referred to the doctor. Kai would not give up, though. He wanted to be with her forever, no matter what was wrong with her, but he did not understand why she would not marry him. She did not want to tell him or marry him because she would feel as if she had failed him. Faye felt she could not provide the life he wanted, a life with their own children. Finally, with persistence, Kai was able to get an answer from Faye. Faye said, ""¦I can't give you children. Because I can't get pregnant! I can't have babies! That's why!"�(27) Seeing Kai's unbelieving look, she grabbed his keys and drove his car home. As soon as she entered, Kai called to make sure she had arrived home safely. Soon after Faye went to bed, Kai came into her room. He explained that he wanted to marry her no matter what was wrong with her. She did not believe it and thought he was only trying to be chivalrous. Kai was furious at her ignorance and began to yell at her. He tried to explain his point of view, but she still could not understand. She believed that Kai had a choice, to be with a woman who could have children and have a normal life. With his stubbornness he coaxed her to tell the entire story about her accident and what the doctor told her. After Kai listened intently to the whole story and explained he still loved her and wanted to marry her, Faye finally gave in to him. She realized his love was true and that he truly cared for her and despite her problem. From that point Kai began to pack Faye's bags while she watched confusedly. He was not going to wait any longer. He wanted her at home with him, at that very moment. She pleaded with him to take it slow, but he had waited long enough. He explained to her that he had not given up on the idea of having a family. He told her they would adopt when they were ready to have children. This made Faye very happy and she finally saw her future with Kai come to life. Kai and Faye married, adopted two girls and one boy, and lived in a low white ranch house in Texas. Their children grew and their love stayed strong. Sometimes Kai dreamed a horrible dream. In it, Faye would walk away from him saying, "I can't marry you!"� Faye would always reassure him she was there, and wasn't going anywhere. They were to be together forever.