The Salt Eaters

In Clayborne, Georgia, Minnie Ransom, a faith healer, visits Velma (Vee) Henry. Velma is in the Southwest Community Infirmary after attempting to die by suicide. Minnie stalls, asking Velma if she wants to be healed. Velma moves between observations of the present moment, memories, visions of mud mothers, and thoughts about the healing qualities of salt. Minnie describes another healing she performed where the woman crawled in her lap.

The staff members of the infirmary notice Minnie stalling and recall the bets they made on how fast her healing would be completed. Twelve people, representing the zodiac, are present for the healing. Cora Rider agrees with Minnie about how there are more responsibilities for people who are well than for people who are sick. Sophie Heywood (aka M’Dear), Velma’s godmother, surprises the group by leaving the room. Past experiences shared by her and Velma, such as the latter’s baptism and wedding, are recalled.

Sophie looks at the ceiling as she leaves, which causes Cora to consider how Sophie reads signs. Others in the group also think about Sophie’s lessons on reading signs. Sophie recalls a different child, Smitty, participating in a protest.