Crossing the Red-Thread Bridge (Family Instructions)

transcription

[Recording begins. Speaker: Martha. Recipient: Elias.] First, the coin. It must be copper. Check the date. Anything minted after 1850 is too light; the bridge will not accept it. Place it on the third slat of the west railing. Do not push it into the gap. Just set it there. The crossing happens at dusk on the solstice. If you arrive early, wait in the brush. Do not stand on the bridge before the sun dips below the ridge. When you start, walk backward. Count ten paces exactly. Keep your eyes fixed on the willow tree behind you. Do not look at the boards. Do not look at your heels. If you lose count, start over from the bank. Once you reach the tenth pace, turn. Walk forward at a steady clip. The riverbed will be crowded. You will see them standing in the shallows. Some will look like kin; some will just be shapes. Do not acknowledge them. Do not nod. Do not mutter a prayer. If one of them speaks your name, keep your jaw tight. If you answer, the coin is wasted and you will have to wait until next year to try again. Once you reach the east bank, stop. Wait for the sound of the coin falling into the water. Only then can you continue toward the house. [Recording ends.]