Caterpillar Summer

Cat studies the maps on the bedroom wall, recognizing them as the sites of various books. She is surprised when Lily tells her that Mom drew them. Cat helps Lily fold clean socks, and they talk about Mom and Macon, then Cat’s father.

Cat is surprised to find herself opening up to Lily. Lily comforts her, then their talk turns back to the laundry. They joke about the mismatched socks, and Cat is content.

Cat awaits Mom’s arrival that night. She and Chicken head to the park with Harriet and Neddie. While Cat and Harriet swing, Cat thinks about how familiar Gingerbread Island has become and how close she has become to Harriet.

Just then, she spots John Harvey, playing with Chicken and the other younger kids. Cat worries, but Chicken seems to be having fun. The group moves to the merry-go-round, but Chicken falls off as it spins. Cat yells at John Harvey for hurting Chicken, but Chicken defends him, insisting the fall was accidental and that he is not hurt. Cat realizes that Chicken is changing.