HEAVY HEARTS

Chapter XXI of “Just David,” entitled “Heavy Hearts,” portrays the deep concern and affection the community feels for young David, who has fallen severely ill. For a week, David has been absent from his usual haunts, causing some distress to his friend, Jill. It is soon revealed that David, beloved for his kindness and musical talent, is dangerously sick with a fever, speculated to be typhoid or scarlet fever, which he allegedly contracted while visiting the Glaspell residence to teach blind Joe how to play music.

As the news spreads, Jack, alongside Jill, becomes particularly distressed over David’s condition, highlighting the strong bond that has formed between David and the inhabitants of the town. Intent on helping, Jack visits the Holly farm to inquire about David’s condition and offer assistance, only to discover the severity of David’s illness and the profound impact he has had on those around him, smoothing out their rough edges with his purity and love of music.

Perry Larson, a local, and the Hollys share insights into David’s deteriorating health and the special, transformative relationship he has with Mr. and Mrs. Holly. Despite their efforts and the employment of a trained nurse, there is a prevailing sense of helplessness, with everyone clinging to hope and the crucial role that careful nursing will play in David’s recovery.

In private conversations, Mrs. Holly reveals to Jack the profound mystery and concern surrounding David’s unknown past, his exceptional upbringing, and his constant references to “his song” during his delirium. This element adds a layer of depth to David’s character, suggesting that his music and inherent optimism are integral parts of his identity, even in the face of severe illness.

The chapter concludes with Jack, profoundly moved and concerned, encountering a carriage that starkly contrasts his current preoccupations, but his mind remains consumed with David’s well-being, the mysterious song David references, and the hope for his recovery. This focus on community, the bondedness formed through shared concern, and the unease surrounding David’s precarious health status and mysterious background paints a rich tapestry of human connections, resilience, and the universal language of music.