Slammed

Will arrives to class and, as he sets up a projector, explains why people write poetry—to connect with people who share their experiences. He discusses his poem about death, and Lake understands that the lesson is directed at her. The class leaves until Lake is left; she tells Will that she understands his lesson, that she and her mother must enjoy the time they have left.

Lake goes home and sits on the edge of her mother’s bed. She strokes her mother’s hair as she sleeps; a few hairs come loose, and Lake encloses them in her purple hair clip. She wraps her arms around her mother, and they hold hands.

Lake prepares lasagna, which the family calls “basagna.” She tells her mother that she wants Kel to live with her; she wants to be his guardian. Julia relents and agrees. Kel arrives and announces that he knows something bad is happening, as the family always makes basagna when they have bad news. Julia explains that she has lung cancer and is dying. Lake assures Kel that they will stay in the house in Michigan, rather than moving back to Texas, as this is what Kel wants.