Where the Crawdads Sing
by Delia Owens
Contents
21. Coop
Overview
After Tate fails to return, Kya collapses into grief and vows never to trust again. A Cooper’s hawk’s visits pull her back into the marsh, but she avoids people, even Jumpin’. She channels herself into meticulous collecting and cataloging, building a world of ordered beauty while her loneliness deepens over ensuing years.
Summary
In 1961, after giving up hope that Tate would return, Kya lies in bed for days, listless in the heat and refusing the solace of the marsh. Remembering each family departure—Ma, her sisters, Jodie—she concludes love cannot be trusted and vows never to rely on anyone again.
Midday sun and a Cooper’s hawk peering through her screen jolt Kya from her stupor. She feeds the gulls on the beach, smiling through tears as they brush her skin. Days later the hawk returns; she greets him as “Coop” and resolves to take her boat back into the marsh.
For a month she stays away from town, living on shellfish and grits. When supplies force a trip, she buys from Jumpin’ without conversation, deciding that needing people only leads to hurt. The hawk’s visits and the waterways draw her out, yet thoughts of Tate persist; she imagines college girls he might prefer.
By late August, Kya rebuilds a routine of boating, collecting, painting, and methodically classifying her findings. Science and art fuse into a comprehensive, beautiful catalog that fills her shack, even as loneliness expands. Nothing relieves the ache. Months pass into years; she longs for connection but protects her heart.
Who Appears
- KyaDevastated by Tate’s absence, vows not to trust, withdraws from people, resumes marsh collecting, and endures deepening loneliness over years.
- Cooper's hawk (Coop)Visits Kya’s steps and window; his presence nudges her back into the marsh and routine.
- Jumpin'Supplies Kya when she finally comes in; she avoids conversation, and he watches her withdraw.
- TateAbsent; his failure to return devastates Kya and drives her long isolation.