9

Daisy describes a lingering sense of distance from Melanie, comparing her smell to a guest soap, and notes they never formed a natural mother–daughter bond. Neil and Melanie act overly careful with Daisy, unlike typical parents, reinforcing her feeling of being guarded rather than casually loved.

She contrasts her life with classmates who have abundant baby photos, noting that her own early pictures supposedly burned in a fire—an explanation she admits was implausible but accepted. This absence of evidence about her past deepens Daisy’s unease about her identity.

As footage of executions from Gilead sparks a protest, Daisy’s school organizes participation. Despite her enthusiasm and sign-making, Neil and Melanie forbid her from going, citing safety and media exposure. A brief debate, including mention of Ada as a potential chaperone, ends with a firm parental “no.”

Determined to assert herself, Daisy exploits lax bus check-in, swaps identity cards with a basketball teammate who doesn’t want to attend, and boards the bus. Her decision openly defies her parents and escalates the stakes as she heads toward a public, news-covered protest against Gilead.