Summary

When Rachel finally returned to Barren Shoal after weeks of tending to David, Marta noticed a renewed resolve in her mother. For the first time since Helen's death, Rachel went to visit with Mrs. Paradissis and even helped her make cookies. When Marta heard her voice, she noted that it "was still flat, but she was there" (364), indicating a sort of spiritual return. Rachel showed a renewed interest in Marta's life, needing "catching up" (368) on everything she had been too grief-stricken to pay attention to in the previous years.

Marta continued to write letters to Noah, even allowing herself to be vulnerable enough to tell him about Ray. Noah promised that "someday" (367) it would all work out for her with another man. With his friends gone, Joey spent more time with Mr. Paradissis, who taught him how to make wine. Marta spent much...