Chapter 19 Summary

Albertine is at her mother's house on the reservation, visiting from school. She is exhausted from the drive, but the smell of coffee and breakfast pulls her out of the bed. She is greeted by Shawnee, who offers her a mug of coffee. Shawnee informs her that her mother, Zelda, is at church, and she took Redford with her. Shawnee doesn't go into more detail about Zelda at first, and Albertine doesn't ask due to her strained relationship with Zelda. Albertine and Zelda came to an understanding during one of their fights that Albertine will do nothing to tarnish Zelda's name or standing in the community, and in turn, Zelda won't interfere in Albertine's life.

Knowing that they won't be able to talk freely once Zelda comes home, Albertine asks Shawnee if her relationship with Zelda has gotten any better. Shawnee's answer is...