Hummingbird

With Grace’s support, Olive auditions for the roles of the Bird of Joy and Emily Dickinson for the school play. After overcoming her nerves, she performs well in both roles—until she accidentally rolls over someone’s toe. Everyone laughs, ending her audition and leaving her embarrassed. Olive is discouraged, and Grace comforts her. Nester Tuberose, the second person to find the hummingbird in 1963, agrees to meet with them at the Ragged Apple Cafe.

Grace is especially excited to meet with entrepreneur Nester, who reveals she grew up resentful of the family’s apple orchard because her true passion was dancing. She intended to find the hummingbird and wish herself into a dance career. However, when she found the hummingbird, she knew, “I am a dancer anywhere, and everywhere I dance” (259). Ultimately, Nester’s wish was to do something that would bring her joy. She ended up loving the orchard and opening her own cafe, and still dances any time she wants to. The hummingbird’s feathers fall, and she agrees to be Grace’s mentor if Grace finds a client on her own.