We Deserve Monuments

Avery, Jade, and Simone continue to avoid one another. Avery feels distracted from reality, and her grades begin to suffer. Letty’s health worsens. Zora becomes consumed with redecorating the house. Though the aftermath of the fight goes undiscussed, Zora tells Avery she wishes to plan “something special” for what will likely be Letty’s last Thanksgiving. Zora shows Avery the only photo she has of Ray. In it, he and Letty are at Kisabee Island. Zora plans to return for Thanksgiving as a surprise.

The family’s happiness on the drive to Kisabee Island is jovial, though tinged with sadness. Over a fancy dinner, Avery prompts Letty to reminisce about Ray. They toast to Ray, and Zora and Letty getting along makes Avery feel her “heart was going to burst from happiness” (313).

The family spends a quiet evening on the beach. Avery confesses she is uncertain she still plans to study astronomy, and Letty reassures her she “got all the time in the world” to figure it out (316). Avery and Zora tearfully admit they will miss Letty, and all three women express their love for one another. Avery cries when Letty speaks warmly of Ray, thinking of how she misses her friendship with Simone and Jade.