The Truth According to Us

Layla visits the elderly Mrs. Lacey, who recalls how her mother cared for soldiers from both sides during the Civil War. As Layla walks home, she encounters Willa, who seeks to convince her that her parents are still in love and are likely to be reconciled soon. Willa is disappointed when Layla greets her father warmly at home and the two continue to flirt.

Jottie goes to the movies with Sol. They laugh their way through an Andy Hardy film while swigging contraband whiskey from a flask. Afterward, Sol kisses Jottie’s hand.

Felix awakens Jottie late at night asking her to apply iodine to a cut on his knuckles. He has been in a fight but refuses to supply any details. He smells the alcohol on her breath, and when she says that it came from Houdyshell, he jokingly remonstrates with her for “patronizing the competition” (240). Felix tells Jottie that he has heard there is to be a strike at American Everlasting factory.

Layla writes to Tare Russell, requesting an interview. Layla’s mother writes to her, sending pantyhose and expressing anxiety about her brother’s upcoming wedding to his fiancée, Alene. In her reply, Layla reassures her mother about her brother’s choice of spouse.