Summary

In Chapter 20, it is the beginning of World War II. Wichita is booming due to its help with the war effort. The economy flourishes, which allows Cora to expand Kindness House and increase Joseph’s salary. In the fall of 1942, Earle schedules a trip home, seemingly for no reason. Now a doctor in St. Louis, he tells Cora that he is planning on enlisting to help a medical team in the Pacific theater of the war. Cora is frustrated and fearful, having heard of other local mothers losing their sons. Earle changes the subject and says that Louise has returned to Wichita, and is living with Myra. She has been arrested, and spends her nights gallivanting around town with a man presumed to be gay.

Some time later, Cora pays a visit to the Brooks’ home. She finds Myra and her friend Zana...