In a conversation that will shape Tiger over the rest of the novel, Tiger and Aunt Dorie Kay talk about relationships; Aunt Dorie Kay encourages Tiger to be honest with Jesse Wade about her feelings. Aunt Dorie Kay tells Tiger that she and Granny never saw eye to eye about Aunt Dorie Kay’s move to Baton Rouge, but now, Aunt Dorie Kay regrets that she and Granny never expressed their true feelings to each other. Tiger and Magnolia get on a bus to return to Saitter, and because Tiger is unfamiliar with the extent of the world’s racial segregation, she is puzzled when Magnolia goes to the back of the bus. She sits with Magnolia, and the two of them talk about Magnolia’s son, who, Magnolia tells her, struggles to find work due to discrimination. Finally, they return to Saitter, and after her absence, Tiger feels more warmly towards the town than she expected.

Tiger and Magnolia connect when it comes to chores and work. Tiger goes to help at the plant nursery where her father works, and she is surprised to see Jesse Wade working as well. The two reconcile after working together all afternoon.