35. The Compass

Summary

• The chapter is set in July 1969, seven months after Jodie's visit. Kya receives a copy of her second book, The Eastern Seacoast Birds by Catherine Danielle Clark.
• While wandering the woods near her home, Kya discovers a milk carton on a stump, much like the one she discovered when she was younger, that contains an old Army-issued compass. There is a note from Tate, a boy she used to know, saying that he thought the compass might be useful to her.
• Kya reminisces about her past experiences with Tate, who'd taught her how to read, helped her deal with female puberty, and designed the compass. Despite these memories, Kya remains hesitant and confused about her feelings for Tate due to his past abandonment.
• A few days later, Kya takes the compass with her on a trip through the marsh. During that time, she sees Tate boating through the marsh but backs away, hiding herself as she's done so many times before.
• By the end of the day, Kya, standing on a beach, recites an untitled poem by a person referred to only as "A.H." The poem contemplates the deceptive nature of sunsets, hinting at her own deceptions and betrayals experienced.