12

Summary

• The chapter begins with the characters leaving Tom Lake for Traverse City by car, after a morning of rain.
• During the ride, they pass fruit stands, and one of the passengers, Duke, dismisses the idea of purchasing from them.
• Pallace, another passenger, sings show tunes, catching Sebastian's attention.
• The protagonist wants to stop at an antique store to purchase a gift for an upcoming lunch, despite Duke's protests against antique stores.
• Inside the antique store, the protagonist finds and buys a set of linen napkins as a gift.
• As they continue their journey, the group engages in guessing games based on show tunes and dialogue lines.
• Upon arrival at the Nelson farm in Traverse City, a sense of tension is present because the protagonist has brought along uninvited guests.
• The protagonist narrates experiences on the farm, highlighting the warm reception from their host Nelson and his family.
• The Nelson farm emanates a picturesque, tranquil charm that noticeably relaxes the protagonist.
• Duke, one of the guests, demonstrates a sharp memory and an eagerness for acting opportunities, joking about owning his own farm one day.
• The chapter intersperses segments of a future conversation, where Emily and her siblings listen to the protagonist recounting the past events that occurred during that summer day.
• Nelson explains the financial struggles of running a cherry farm, highlighting the volatility of farming as a livelihood.
• The characters enjoy a hearty meal with Nelson’s family, sharing personal stories and connecting over common backgrounds and dreams.
• After lunch, the protagonist and guests tour the farm, discuss the challenges of farming, and consider the uncertain future of the Nelson family's land.
• The chapter reveals more about the relationship and dynamic between different characters, showing bonds forming between them.
• As the group explores the property, they come across a Nelson family cemetery, adding a historical and emotional depth to the land.
• The day concludes with a visit to Lake Michigan, a peaceful and reflective moment for everyone.
• In the woven narrative, questions arise about Joe and the protagonist's relationship, and whether there was a romantic past between them at Tom Lake.
• The protagonist and Joe clarify to their daughters that although they had met at Tom Lake, they did not fall in love until many years later.
• The chapter closes with Joe going for a swim, leaving the daughters to ponder the story they have been told.