Summary

In Chapter 14, “Norma,” Norma visited Mother’s grave. She hoped Mother “wouldn’t be angry with [her] for searching” for her birth parents (262).

Norma was 54 years old when Mother died. Norma grieved, feeling “old and alone” (263).

After the funeral, Norma and June drank and discussed the past. Norma still resented June for concealing the truth. June explained that she had kept Mother’s secret to earn her favor, as Mother had disapproved of June’s sexuality. To atone for her sins against Norma, June promised to help her find her biological family.

June drove Norma to the place from which Mother had taken her. Realizing she had seen the place before, Norma understood that her “dreams . . . were memories” (269).

June gave Norma “an old newspaper article” about Charlie’s death (272). The article mentioned that the Charlie’s family “had a four-year-old daughter who disappeared...