Reminders of Him

Three days later, Ledger returns to the grocery store, as much for supplies as to see Kenna. He has been comparing Diem to Kenna, trying to find elements of the child’s winsome and ever-curious personality in the sad and lonely Kenna. As he sits in his truck in the parking lot, Grace knocks at his window. She is with Diem. He tells Grace emphatically to come back later: “She’s on shift right now” (134), he cautions. Even as Grace and Diem pull out of the parking lot, Kenna comes out of the store and rushes after the car. She collapses sobbing when she understands the car will not stop for her. Too upset to return to work, Kenna allows Ledger to drive her home. As he helps Kenna gather her things from the break room, he sees an unfinished letter addressed to Scotty.

At her apartment, Kenna castigates Ledger for warning Grace. Ledger assures Kenna that neither Grace nor her husband are strong enough to meet her: “They’ve given Diem a good life. She is happy. Is that not enough?” (138).

The question takes Kenna aback. She tells Ledger all she wants is to see her child. Relenting, Ledger shares videos of the child he has stored on his phone, aware of how he is breaking the Landrys’ trust.