Chapter 1 Summary

In chapter one, Jamie Hunter is showing Ruby her new bedroom. Ruby's sister, Cora, is standing silently nearby. Jamie is Cora's husband. Ruby hasn't seen Cora in about ten years, since Cora left home for college. She hadn't even known Cora was married. Outside her balcony, Jamie shows Ruby the outline of a pond he's planning that will be a complete eco-system.

Ruby recalls her life before Cora had picked her up earlier that day. Ruby and her mother move often, eventually into a rundown yellow house that's somewhat secluded. Ruby is at home one day when the landlords, Ronnie and Alice Honeycutt, arrive to "check in." Ruby's mom immediately recognizes the visit for what it is - an effort to keep an eye on their new tenants. Ruby's mom is often gone and when she is at home she seldom greets the...