31. A Book

Summary

• Kya, now in her twenties, receives an advance copy of her book, 'The Sea Shells of the Eastern Seaboard' by mail. The book had turned out beautifully, being a record of all her findings about the natural habitat and species living in shells on the seacoast.
• The book is displayed in various gift shops and bookstores along the coasts and Kya receives royalty checks from its sales every six months.
• Kya thanks Tate, her old love and the one who initially introduced her to the publisher, for his role in turning her passion for the marsh into her life's work.
• Kya hires a man, Jerry, to install running water, a bathroom, heating and to modernize the kitchen in her home. She also buys new furniture, but keeps the old woodstove and kitchen table.
• Kya learns of plans to drain the marsh and build hotels in the area. Distressed, she discovers that her family does, in fact, own the land. To keep the land, Kya pays $800 in back taxes, securing her family's home.
• Tate stops by to see Kya and they have a guarded, yet affectionate reunion. Kya signs a copy of her book for him, referring to him as 'Feather Boy' and herself as the 'Marsh Girl'. Tate invites Kya to join him in his explorations of the marsh in the future.
• Kya gives another copy of her book to Jumpin', the man who owns the gas station she frequents. She expresses gratitude for his support and the help he and his wife, Mabel, have given her over the years.