July 4, 2004 Summary

Jessie writes Hope a letter wishing her a Happy Bastille Day, because she is responding to Hope's letter when Hope was in France. Jessie is back in Pineville. Jessie also writes Marcus a letter wishing him a Happy Independence Day. It's the first letter Jessica has written Jessica since they returned to their separate schools. She admits that she misses him and that his postcards will present his message to when he's ready. She also says Marin misses him, which Jessica can tell from her disappointed expression when Jessica shows up without Marcus.

When Jessica steps off the bus from New York City in Pineville, the town is invaded with cicadas. On the ride home from the station with her parents, Jessie finds out that they sold the house and are moving into one of the new townhouses recently built in town. When...