Perfect Peace

Gus returns home two hours after leaving church; he spent the time hiding, trying to avoid another “embarrassing encounter.” When the family returns home, the boys ask when Perfect will begin to walk and talk. Authorly, who is holding Perfect, tells Emma Jean that Perfect needs her diaper changed, and Emma Jean reminds everyone that only she is allowed to change Perfect’s diaper.

That evening, Chester Jr., Gus’s older brother, and his wife, Margaret, come to visit. Chester Jr. and Gus talk about having more children, but Gus vehemently denies wanting any more. Chester Jr. remarks that while Perfect is “as cute as can be” (79), she looks like a little boy. Inside, Emma Jean contemplates telling Margaret the truth about Perfect since Margaret is the closest friend that she has, but she ultimately decides against it. Margaret offers to give Emma Jean her daughter’s old clothes, but Emma Jean refuses; she wants to buy her daughter brand-new things. Chester Jr. and Margaret head home, which is “on the other side of the Jordan” (83). Later that night, Gus suggests changing Perfect’s name. Emma Jean becomes angry, claiming that Perfect is perfect and that no other name will suit her.