56. The Night Heron

Summary

• The chapter opens with a description of the Barkley Cove graveyard where villagers, including shopkeepers and fishermen, have gathered to bury Scupper. It indicates Tate's disconnectedness through the process. It seemed marked more by routine than feeling.
• Tate is burdened with guilt for spending little time with Scupper who was particularly ignored while Tate focused on visiting Kya in jail and dealing with his own emotions. He regrets not noticing that his father's health was degrading.
• Tate visits the grave again, this time to bid his goodbye. He brings a plastic case with him, dresses the grave with the battery-operated record player found inside, and plays Miliza Korjus's music. He spends a while there, interacting with the graves of both his parents, talking to his father.
• Resolving and accepting condolences from other fishermen, Tate decides to get back to work. He headed to the docks, knowing work would provide some relief.
• As he was about to leave the village, he found a feather from a night heron on the seat cushion of his cabin cruiser. The feather represents Kya as she spends most of her time in the marsh.
• Tate ultimately heads to the shack, deep in the marshes, on his boat calling out for Kya. He confronts her when she appears, professing his love for her and receiving hers in return.
• Kya acknowledges that she too has always loved him. Tate urges her to let go of her fear of loving, paving the way for their future together. She finally agrees, leading him into the woods.