Florence Adler Swims Forever

Gussie finds her grandmother crying while taking a bath. Esther admits she is crying about Florence and asks Gussie to keep her company. Gussie asks Esther what happens to people when they die. Esther falters and explains that she doesn’t know but that Jews believe it’s more important that someone is good while alive. Esther offers to take Gussie to see her mother in the hospital. Gussie has been frustrated because everyone has worried that she would reveal the secret about Florence’s death if she visited Fannie. Esther affirms that she will take Gussie to the hospital, but not today. In response, Gussie throws a tantrum. Anna eventually offers to take Gussie to see the parakeets at Steel Pier, and Gussie agrees.

Gussie’s day improves as she and Anna attend National Children’s Week in Atlantic City, participating in various activities. Gussie decides to see the premature baby exhibit instead of the parakeets. When they are inside the exhibit, Gussie reveals that Hyram was in the exhibit before he died. Gussie remembers that when they visited him, a man from out of town walked up and said that Hyram had no chance of making it.