Surviving the Applewhites

E.D. wakes early, apprehensive about her father’s impending call to Mrs. Montrose. As she goes to the kitchen for breakfast, she finds Destiny already awake, singing cheerfully. She can’t help but notice that her brother sings far better than Priscilla. Her attention is drawn to the black butterfly, sitting on a saucer filled with purple syrup, sipping the liquid. Randolph then enters and delivers the news of the canceled show. News spreads around Wit’s End, and blame is quickly placed on Randolph for his stubbornness in casting decisions. Bernstein laments the end of his career, feeling defeated—“first my car, now my career—totaled” (148). However, Govindaswami remains serene, offering a calm perspective by affirming that “everything works for the highest good” (148).

E.D. heads to the schoolroom, where she observes two butterflies struggling to emerge from their chrysalises. She feels offended by Govindaswami’s words—how could any good come from what feels like a wasted effort? She is in charge of informing the minor actors, and the task weighs heavily on her mind. Then, she has an idea—Wit’s End has a barn. With some effort, they could transform it into a makeshift theater. All they need are a stage, lights, and seats.