August remembers how she and Jedda moved in with Elsie and Poppy. Elsie taught them how to cook, partially to help August feel secure that there would always be food available. Although their grandparents made sure they had food and were well looked after and cared for, August understands that they couldn’t prevent all sadness and hurt, particularly when Jedda went missing.

August wakes up after her return to Massacre Plains, feeling like a visitor. Going into the garden, she sees her old friend Eddie Falstaff, who greets her happily. Eddie comes from one of the richest families in Massacre Plains, and August remembers not being allowed by his mother to attend his birthday party because she said it would make other people uncomfortable. Eddie tells August that Poppy was writing a book and that a strip-mining company has decided to mine on the property, which is owned by the government. Eddie says goodbye as August’s Aunt Mary and Aunt Missy arrive and happily greet her. As August talks to them, her thoughts are focused on the book Eddie mentioned. She remembers her and her grandfather’s shared love of books, briefly looking through his office before returning to sit with her aunts.