Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus

Connor has not been in school for a few days, and when Zion asks Aven about him, Aven finally admits they had a fight and each of them got their feelings hurt. Zion gently reproaches her and urges Aven to repair the damage to the relationship. Aven is out of sorts and moody. As she slurps a sarsaparilla in the park’s steakhouse, Josephine asks her about her troubles. Aven takes the opportunity to quiz Josephine about Stagecoach Pass. Josephine has worked there for nearly 60 years, ever since the park opened, and has performed a variety of jobs. She never had a spouse or raised children. When Aven says she does not plan to get married either, Josephine is amused but indicates that’s what she expected Aven to say. The comment puzzles Aven, who asks if Josephine remembers a little girl with arms who looked like Aven. Josephine leaves abruptly and Aven suspects she knows something.

Aven finds her dad waiting for her after school with a bag of soccer gear. He tells Aven she can try out for the soccer team or get on the bus and go home. It is her choice, but he wants to give her a chance.