Act 2 Summary

Two new characters are introduced at the beginning of this act—Vince, Dodge and Halie's grandson, and his girlfriend, Shelly. Vince has not seen his family for six years, and he and Shelly are stopping in to see them on their way to New Mexico to visit his father, Tilden. Vince is unaware that Tilden has come back home.

Even though it has only been six years, no one recognizes him—neither his grandfather, Dodge, nor his father, Tilden. "Did I betray some secret ancient family taboo?" he pleads. Vince demonstrates tricks he had performed when he was a child, but still no one recognizes him. Shelly tries to persuade him to leave but is sympathetic to Tilden, who brings in an armful of carrots. Shelly offers to help him with the carrots. Dodge persuades Vince to take money from the kitchen table...