Summary

Jo, Bethie, Dave, Harold, and Jo's daughters visit Jo and Bethie's childhood home to celebrate the seventy-first birthday of the sisters' mother, Sarah. Jo and Bethie's relationship is still tense because of their fight. The birth of Jo's daughter, Lila, has only exacerbated the tension between them. Sarah and Lila, both of whom despise nearly everyone, have a very close relationship. Before Jo and Bethie leave, Sarah tells them she has terminal cancer.

Sarah leaves a letter for her daughters. While reading it aloud, they forgive each other. Jo apologizes for her inattentiveness the summer Bethie was sexually assaulted by Uncle Mel. Bethie demurs, because speaking with her psychologist and her husband has helped her appreciate that Jo intervened to protect her, though not immediately. Bethie apologizes for doubting the validity of Jo's marriage. The sisters promise to spend...