Contents
Chapter 21
Overview
Laurel visits her mother, who calmly says she is ready to die now that Laurel is happy and Ellie has been found. Later, Laurel takes Poppy shopping, hearing Poppy’s stark worldview and her claim to hate an absent, red-haired mother. Laurel inadvertently dresses Poppy in a style that evokes Ellie, deepening Laurel’s unease even as Poppy embraces the change.
Summary
Laurel visits her ailing mother, hoping for the spark she saw days earlier. Instead, Laurel’s mother plainly declares there is little time left and that she has been holding on for Laurel’s sake. Now that Ellie has been found and Laurel is happy, the mother feels free to go. Laurel, torn between love and acceptance, recognizes she cannot choose for her mother.
That afternoon, Laurel takes Poppy to Brent Cross in heavy rain. Poppy, dressed neatly and buoyant, waves to Floyd before they leave. In the car, Poppy claims her mother does not exist to her and admits she hated her, describing a red-haired woman who smelled of chips. She then articulates a bleak, matter-of-fact worldview: life has no inherent meaning, and happiness is optional.
Over food, Poppy says she likes Kate (SJ’s mother) and contrasts herself with SJ, noting she is closer to Floyd. Laurel has a disorienting flash of memory, momentarily seeing Ellie in Poppy. Poppy expresses interest in meeting Laurel’s family, trailing off about sometimes wishing for something she doesn’t name.
Clothes shopping turns contentious as Poppy rejects trendy styles for familiar jersey dresses. Laurel persuades her to try casual, youthful pieces. After Laurel loosens Poppy’s hair and outfits her in leggings, tee, and flannel, the effect startles Laurel: Poppy looks like Ellie. Though shaken, Laurel offers to revert, but Poppy chooses the new look and suggests Laurel try something more colorful too.
Who Appears
- LaurelVisits her mother, who says she’s ready to die; takes Poppy shopping; unsettled when Poppy’s new look evokes Ellie.
- PoppyFloyd’s daughter; espouses a nihilistic outlook; claims to hate her absent red-haired mother; adopts a new, Ellie-like style.
- Laurel’s motherElderly and frail; tells Laurel she stayed alive for her and is now ready to go.
- FloydWaves Poppy off at the door; discussed as a father Poppy feels close to.