The Price of Salt

Carol is late to pick up Therese, but Therese reflects that she would wait all day and night for her. After 25 minutes, Carol arrives in her car, which Therese compares to a “rolling mountain.” They drive to her two-story house in the country, and Therese feels out of place. Carol asks if she wants to take a walk or listen to music, but Therese is “content.” They eat lunch, and Therese says her Frankenberg’s job teaches how to be a poet, a thief, and a liar. Carol jokes about meeting customers at the counter and warns her about kidnappers.

Carol insists Therese play the piano, and she does before it becomes “too much.” Carol thinks Therese is tired and suggests a nap, reminding Therese of Ruby Robichek. Carol calls Therese a “child,” and Therese requests hot milk.

Therese tells Carol the truth about her parents. Her dad was a lawyer, but he wanted to be a painter. He died when she was six. Her mom is still alive, but she’s antagonistic. Though her dad died of pneumonia, Therese attributes his death to her mom, who sent her to the Episcopalian school. Her mom remarried and had two children with her second husband.