Chapter Sixteen

Alone in her cabin, Lucky reels from Gloria’s betrayal, Cary’s disappearance, and the revelation that John is not her biological father. Reyes enters, sharing her own history of abuse and prison, arguing for second chances and insisting her help isn’t about the lottery ticket. Lucky apologizes for lashing out, yet admits she feels utterly alone.

When Lucky considers surrendering, Reyes proposes an alternative: drive to New York to consult a private investigator and visit the church where Lucky was abandoned. Lucky reluctantly agrees. The next morning they drive east with John, whose lucidity wavers. He tunes in a Yankees game, triggering a moment of shared memory that briefly softens the tension.

They arrive at St. Monica’s. Outside, John points to the step where he found infant Lucky, calling her a miracle. Inside, he lights a candle and explains the ritual. Lucky lights candles for Cary, her unknown mother, the loss of her believed father, and the vanished lottery ticket—then impulsively extinguishes them, drawing a rebuke from John.

A nun approaches, prompting John to ask for “Mary Jean,” the nun he remembers from that night. The nun seems to recognize them but insists she doesn’t know who they mean and swiftly departs. The evasive reaction leaves Lucky, Reyes, and John with more questions about Lucky’s origins and where to search next.