Summary

(untitled chapter) – Despite his stroke injuries, Clifton does not notice any difference in Bud, and still loves to see him. Meanwhile, multiple attempts to visit Tommy at the state penitentiary are pointless. Tommy does not want to see anyone. Community college starts. There, Mimi reconnects with a high school friend, Laura, who has delayed going to State to help out with her sick mother. A new sump pump is installed in the house since one is not enough to handle all the water in the valley. Mimi also begins to notice how the farmland is now more and more waterlogged, and how much of it is turning to muck. One day, when Winston Bally comes to visit, Mimi tells him to get off her land. He says he will go and see Miriam at the hospital since Bud is no longer in a position...