Olivia 4

Summary

• In the chapter titled "OLIVIA 4 JANUARY TO APRIL 2019," Olivia discusses the difficulty of adjusting to her new normal, which includes caring for her late father's beehives and visiting her son, Asher, in jail. She feels isolated and judged by her community due to Asher's incarceration.
• Olivia encounters two girls speaking negatively about Asher, leading to a confrontation. She is ostracized at the farmers’ market because of Asher's situation, and her honey bottles are later vandalized.
• After Asher's incarceration, Olivia feels increasingly disconnected from her previous life and faces prejudice within her community.
• Olivia meets with Detective Mike who sympathizes with her but can’t do much about the vandalism incident. Olivia also reflects on her past encounter with Braden, her ex-husband, during their relationship.
• Asher's time in jail is difficult for him as he becomes accustomed to the environment, but he maintains his innocence. Asher and Olivia reflect on past family issues, which may prejudice his legal defense.
• Asher attempts suicide in jail leading Olivia to come to terms with the possibility of life without her son. Olivia's need to keep Asher from facing more time in jail is underscored by the consequence of his actions.
• Olivia pivots from despair to determination, seeking a way to enforce her son’s rights and ensure a fair trial, representing a critical turning point for both.
• Olivia has trouble selling her honey at a market, highlighting how the community has turned against her and her family because of her son's legal troubles.
• The narrative includes a flashback to Olivia's secret abortion and reflections on her abusive relationship with Braden, revealing the complexities of her past and emotional state.
• The chapter ends with Olivia having a struggle over selling her honey, compounded by the emotional toll of her son's legal case, reflecting her challenges in both her personal and professional life.
• Olivia's reflections on beekeeping parallel her personal struggles, highlighting the comfort she finds in her bees amidst the chaos of her situation.
• Despite positive legal developments, Olivia and Asher are still grappling with the reality of his trial and their changed relationship as a mother and son.
• Olivia experiences a mix of hope and apprehension following legal maneuvers that may benefit Asher's case, suggesting an uncertain path forward for both characters.