Summary

In “Rewards,” in July, Blake “made the case that as the planter and cultivator” of the yew, May deserved a reward for inspiring the poet’s award-winning piece (58). The university gave May “one month of paid leave” (58). The first thing she did afterwards was “reread all the posts about Amber Dwight” (59). Inspired by Amber’s life, May considered reconnecting with her old friends. Meanwhile, she read various authors’ remarks about friendship. She felt moved, but alone. While walking one day, observing two female friends in conversation made her feel similarly.

In “Day Trip,” May took a day trip “to a nearby town,” where she rode their miniature railway (64). Her observations of one family reminded her of her own family’s sad past and dysfunctional version of love.

In “Peeps,” May told Sue she was “thinking about using [her] leave to visit...