Chapter 5 Summary

The Door that Men call Death. Narration describes the days leading up to the death of Old Grandmother (see "Quotes", p. 77), including stories she tells Marigold about how beautiful she (Old Grandmother) was when she was young, and how beautiful she thinks Marigold might eventually be.

Old Grandmother, in spite of having a premonition of the time of her death, convinces Young Grandmother and Lorraine to go to a party in another town. After they've left, Old Grandmother tells Marigold to sit with her. Marigold does, worried that she's not going to be able to meet Sylvia.

After a nap, Old Grandmother demands that Marigold help her dress and walk with her outside. Marigold does as she's told, and takes Old Grandmother's hand as she walks out into the orchard, enjoying the sea air and the smell of spring, and saying she wants...