28. July 27, 2021

Summary

• Holly visits the Bowlaroo alley, discreetly investigating a group photo of middle school girls bowling for a health program pre-Covid, and focuses on a girl named Barbara Robinson.
• Upon confirming the identities of the individuals in the photo, Holly sends Barbara a picture of a bowling team with a message, asking if she recognizes someone named Cary.
• Holly begins door-knocking at Ridge Road to speak with a man named Hugh Clippard about Cary Dressler, entering a world of wealthy Victorians and meticulous lawns.
• Clippard speaks highly of Cary, recalling how he often filled in for their bowling team, The Golden Oldies, and revealing some even bought marijuana from him.
• The conversation reveals little about Cary's disappearance but sheds light on the members of the Golden Oldies; health issues, deaths, and Hugh's concern about aging become evident.
• Holly leaves Clippard's, feeling uneasy about his frantic attempt to defy aging.
• Holly plans her next moves regarding Cary's case, while reflecting on her cigarette addiction at the Sugar Heights shopping center.
• Miles away, Barbara Robinson struggles with writing an essay for the Penley Prize, frustrated and pressured until she decides to go for a run.
• Post-run and cold shower, Barbara writes the essay defiantly across the lined paper, rejects convention, and immediately mails it, feeling relieved and committed to the purity of her work.