The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart

Alice meets Moss at an outdoor coffee shop. Pip has recovered, and Alice bonds with her. Though Moss is concerned about Alice’s wellbeing, she tells him that she doesn’t need saving or protecting. Moss clarifies that didn’t mean to offend her. He explains that most people in the desert are running from the law or themselves, but Alice denies that she’s running. Moss is reading her too well, and she wants to fight, but he calmly points out she came to him for help. Alice struggles to respond. Moss isn’t angry like she expected, but he leaves.

Moss thinks of his call to Thornfield Farm. Twig told him that June died of a massive heart attack. He had planned to tell Alice about June’s death at the coffee shop, but he couldn’t. Since his wife and child died in a car accident, Moss can’t be the bearer of bad news.

A few days later, Alice and Pip move to the ranger housing in Kililpitjara National Park. Sarah settles her in, explaining details about the ranger community, restaurant, gas station, and tourist resort. When Sarah leaves, Alice basks in her new home and the deep desert landscape.