Summary

In Chapter 17, Penny and Arlo prepared for their trip to Mount Isa. The preparations helped Penny “disassociate from [the trip’s] ultimate purpose” (201).

The night before they left, Fountain-Goose called Penny. Having worked closely with her throughout her childhood, he worried she was still in a bad place. He was convinced her issues in the present were related to her unresolved relationship with Gaspard. Penny was offended by his assessment. Her relationship with Fountain-Goose had always been confusing, as he had acted as Penny’s therapist although he was not a psychologist. He was one of the few people Penny talked to about Gaspard’s sexually explicit behavior. Fountain-Goose had urged her to let Gaspard in rather than blaming him.

In Chapter 18, Penny and Arlo left for Mount Isa. On the way, they encountered a couple that looked just like Ardie and Hugh...