Lake o' the Cherokees
- Esperanza and Estevan are noticeably more relaxed as the group heads further into tribal land, because they look more like everyone else around them, and don't stick out like they did in Tucson.
- As they drive, Turtle suddenly shouts the word "Mama!" (15.8). When Taylor and the others look around, all they can see is a gas station and a cemetery. Spooky. Maybe there was a big lady tortoise on the side of the road?
- They take a cabin for the day and night and enjoy the time together.
- In the afternoon, Taylor and Estevan take a rowboat out onto the lake while Esperanza and Turtle feed the ducks on the shore. Taylor tells Estevan that she will miss him, and they make wishes by throwing pop tops into the lake. Like, the kind from cans, not the Spanish band or the sporty clothing line. After all, that would be littering.
- That evening, they all share a picnic together. Turtle collects pinecones as the others eat and talk.
- When Taylor notices Turtle burying her doll at the base of a tree, she heads over to explain to her that although some things—like bean seeds—will grow if you bury them, not everything will.
- Turtle agrees, but says "Mama" again.
- Taylor suddenly realizes what Turtle might be doing, and asks the child if she saw her mother get buried. Turtle says yes. So it was the cemetery, not some sneaky mother turtle.
- The two sit together for a little while, and Taylor tells Turtle that she will try her hardest to never leave her.
- That night, after Turtle is asleep, Taylor asks Estevan and Esperanza if they will do her one last favor before they part ways.
- They agree.
- But what is it?? Ah, the suspense. Looks like they got their thinking thought. Thanks, cabin.