Hope Was Here

Hope channels her energy into trying to convince her regular customer, Mr. Woldenburg, to try something different from his regular order of grilled cheese on white bread. She also tries to convince him to vote for G.T., but he refuses, claiming that he and his wife have never voted because they have no confidence in politicians. G.T. is feeling better just as a slew of news reporters invade to interview him. They ask him what his illness has taught him, and G.T. explains, “It’s never too late to do the right thing” (129).

Anastasia is still staying in a crib in the back office, and Hope attempts to help the frail child take a bottle, but she struggles to suck the nipple strongly enough. Hope speaks to the child and tells her that she also had trouble feeding as a baby. She uses a few techniques she’s learned to help Anastasia get a stronger latch while speaking softly and encouragingly to her. Finally, Anastasia gets a latch and drinks deeply from the bottle. Lou Ellen watches silently, and when Hope realizes she’s watching and weeping, she reminds Lou Ellen that she is a good mother. The emotional scene makes Hope wonder if her mother ever wept over her.