Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus

The day of the homecoming football game, Aven gives Zion another guitar lesson. Zion is stressed about going to the dance with Trilby, but Aven says it is good for him to push himself. Zion wonders what Aven is doing to move on and Aven lists the dance. Lando provokes Zion into leaving the room as a ploy to ask Aven to play “Free Fallin’” again. Aven, flustered, refuses to sing along as she plays. When Lando asks why she will not dance or sing, Aven claims she does not know, although she knows it is because she worries what others think of her. Lando, reading her mind, says her excuse is “stupid.” At the football game, Zion and Aven see Janessa in the bleachers and Aven says hello. Janessa ignores them completely. Aven feels self-conscious and ashamed.

Aven’s mom excitedly helps her prepare for the dance. Aven wears a purple tank dress and Star Wars Vans. Trilby chalks Aven’s hair to match her dress. When Zion and Lando arrive, Lando is tickled to see that he and Aven wear the same shoes. Janessa is not with Lando, and Zion tells Aven they broke up.