A Spark of Light

Wren is bored in the Center’s waiting room; it reminds her of a dentist’s office. She is thankful that, despite her trepidation, Aunt Bex agreed to accompany her inside. However, she is embarrassed when Bex begins walking around the room and “doing old-person yoga in public” (256). Meanwhile, Joy sits in the recovery room after her abortion. Though she believes she made the right decision, she feels numb and sad.

Olive feels shellshocked after her appointment. She wanders into the waiting room and receives a hug from Vonita, who tells her that she can stay as long as she needs to get her bearings. She thinks back to the faculty mixer where she first saw Peg and how much she loves her. In another room, Janine is meeting with Graciela, a social worker, hoping to get her to say something incriminating on tape.

Izzy throws up in the Center bathroom and thinks about Parker. She remembers a recent visit with his parents, where they ate at a fancy seafood restaurant. Izzy was nervous because she had never had seafood and was worried about her table manners, but Parker held her hand, and his parents were kind.