The Good Sister

After the first night, Billy would join Rose and Fern in their tent every evening to play cards and chat. He even snuck in beer he stole from Danny. He competed with Fern fiercely over cards. She always beat him. Rose was content to be the worst at cards since it meant Billy would spend time teaching her. Rose began to develop feelings for Billy and “became his shadow” (197). Out of everyone else’s earshot, Nina taunted Rose for behaving like a puppy dog. Meanwhile, Fern began to teach Billy how to hold his breathe for longer, a technique called lung packing. Observing Billy horse around with Fern, Nina suggested to Danny that Billy and Fern had a crush on each other. She gave Rose a spiteful smile, knowing that it was Rose who had feelings for Billy.

Fern invites Wally over to her place. Wally can sense something is wrong, as Fern has been communicating to him only via text, leaving out her usual Xs since Rose thinks this would send Wally a mixed message. Wally notices Fern has moved most of her things out and asks her if she is breaking up with him because he took her to the restaurant.