The Dead and the Gone

On June 12, a Sunday, Alex and Julie attend Mass, and Julie then goes to a friend’s house for the afternoon. Before Alex leaves the church, Father Franco informs him that Bri is adjusting well to life at the convent farm. Alex goes home, where he spends some time studying for his upcoming finals. Uncle Jimmy arrives at the Morales apartment and tells Alex that he and his family are leaving for Tulsa because conditions in New York are worsening. He asks Alex if Bri could come to help Aunt Lorraine with the children, especially since Lorraine is now pregnant with their fourth child. Alex tells Uncle Jimmy about the arrangement for Bri at the convent, and Uncle Jimmy says that they could take Julie instead, though she is younger and not as hard a worker. Alex remembers his vow to Bri and declines the offer, allowing Julie to stay with him.

Two days later, Father Mulrooney asks the students at St. Vincent to raise their hand if they are planning on leaving New York at the end of the school year or before the beginning of the next one. He does the same for those who are planning to stay.