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The Glass Castle Part IV, Chapter 12 Summary

How It All Goes Down

  • Jeannette doesn't see Mom or Dad for a while.
  • About a year after Maureen leaves, Jeannette gets a call from Dad. He wants to see her.
  • And oh, yeah, bring some vodka.
  • Jeannette shows up with the hooch, and Dad drops a bombshell. "I'm dying" (4.12.18).
  • Dad says it's a rare tropical disease. Jeannette knows he's making up the disease, but she believes he really is dying.
  • Dad and Jeannette have a bittersweet conversation. Jeannette says goodbye to him and returns home.