A Prayer for the Crown-Shy

Dex and Mosscap are nearing the Shrublands, the place where Dex’s family lives. Dex attempts to explain the relationships of all the people in their family, but Mosscap is completely confused. Mosscap suddenly panics that it does not have a gift to offer Dex‘s family, and Dex tries to reassure the robot that it is not necessary. However, Dex suggests that they might buy some cherry wine to take with them.

Mosscap reveals that it can identify birds by their call and calls attention to crown shyness, the way the tree branches overhead form a canopy but do not touch one another. Dex feels bothered that they have not noticed these features of the natural world.

As the pair approach Dex’s farm, Dex is discomfited by the oddness of coming home, a place that both stays the same and changes while one is away. From the farmhouse itself, a loud clamor arises, and Mosscap becomes worried. Dex tells the robot that it is just dinner time. When they enter the house, members of Dex’s family surround Dex and Mosscap, as they hug and kiss them and talk all at once.

After the initial welcome, everyone goes back to dinner preparation, except for the children who stay to ask Mosscap many questions.