The Salt Eaters

In Doc Serge’s chair, Sophie thinks about Velma, Mama Mae, Palma, and Minnie. Sophie feels like the chair is a swing that moves in and out of moments, such as Velma talking to M’Dear about a dream of war and trying to interpret it. In the healing, Minnie blesses Velma and holds her head, asking what she will do when she is healed. Velma tries looking out the window, but Minnie says the answer is not outside. Velma struggles to focus on the music.

Mai tries to write about her great-aunt, inspired by something Cecile said. When Iris tells Mai that a Japanese man is looking at her while rearranging flowers, Mai touches a flower on their table. This helps her recall what she was going to write about her great-aunt escaping “burning flower boats” (222). There is a rumbling sound that Cecile guesses is thunder. Czechia grips her Kashisk pendant, takes it off, and gives it to Mai. Mai kisses her forehead. The group considers rain, mudslides, and contaminated soil.

The narrator describes a moment when Velma felt cared for—in bed, surrounded by family members. No one was upset about her running off after her recital.