Summary

In Chapter 18, Ava's mother's hemoglobin levels rise dangerously, but the doctors bring the situation under control. Martha invites her book club over to the house and they discuss a book about desegregation. Martha is a little incoherent at times, and when Ava accidentally spills some water, she makes a cutting remark.

In Chapter 19, Ava attends a welcome home party for Gladys, who has just been released from the hospital. During the party, King sneaks off to talk to his friend Harper on the phone. Gladys tells Ava she is still being visited by Josephine, and that she has visions of Josephine running through a swamp. Ava does not tell her mother she has had dreams about this very thing.

Chapter 20 returns to Josephine's perspective in 1924. She has not seen Charlotte recently, and misses the visits. Jericho comes over and tells her that Eliza...