- When it's time to return to school after the fire, Pearl doesn't want to go.
- She wishes she could curl up and never face anyone again, but her mom won't have any of it.
- Pearl goes to school and pretends that her voice is too damaged from the fire to talk to anyone who asks about her uncle or whom she was with at the river.
- Greenie doesn't ask about any of this, though. In fact, Greenie never asks her anything personal again. They aren't really friends anymore.
- Teachers tell Pearl they're sorry for her loss. Luckily she doesn't have to see Robby since he stayed down at the beach house with his mom.
- The day of Hoyt's funeral, Pearl's dad sends flowers but doesn't bother showing.
- Pearl and her mom sit in the back, while Agnès and Robby sit with their French relatives up front.
- Mitchell shows up, offering support. He drives them to the cemetery and helps her mom out.