55. Grass Flowers

Summary

• The chapter follows the character Kya, who has been acquitted of murder and is returning to her home in the marsh with the help of Jodie.
• Kya is overwhelmed with emotion upon returning home, running into her old shack and experiencing a sense of return and comfort she has been longing for.
• Jodie tries to start a conversation about Kya's isolation, expressing concern about leaving her alone after her traumatic experiences with the trial and time spent in jail. However, Kya vehemently affirms her desire to be alone, repeating her firm belief that people have constantly rejected and mistreated her.
• Kya distances herself from Jodie and rests in the solitude of her home. Her emotions fluctuate greatly as she angrily paints the marsh grasses and later breaks down in tears, reflecting on her loneliness and her difficult relationship with others.
• Kya re-engages in her daily routines in the marsh, expressing her longing to see Tate, her love interest. Although distressed by her uncertain future, she draws comfort from her connection to the natural world around her.
• Meanwhile, Tate hopes to cross paths with Kya in the marsh and plans on possibly visiting her home later. His plans are thwarted when he is interrupted and taken away by the local sheriff and deputies who arrive on an airboat.
• Upon seeing Tate being removed, Kya grows anxious about his involvement in her previous case and her potential loss of connection with him. Despite her pain and confusion, she resolves to seek out answers about Tate's situation by visiting Jumpin', a trusted local figure.