Summary

Laurel has returned to visit her mother, who is still alive. Laurel tells her about the impending Christmas festivities and her mother asks her how things are with Floyd. Laurel answers that things are good, with a slight trepidation in her voice that her mother picks up on.

As she is leaving, Laurel calls Jake. She apologizes for the way that she overreacted to their last conversation and asks to speak with Blue. At her request, Blue explains why she feels the way that she does about Floyd. Under her impression, Floyd “has a dark aspect” (313) and takes cues from others in order to know how to present himself. He does this in order to get the love that he desperately needs. She feels that Poppy is being manipulated by him as well and that she is part of his disguise. This resonates...