Kya, jailed without bail, withdraws further into herself, convinced that depending on others leads to abandonment. She refuses to see Tate during earlier visits and clings to the few comforts available, including a shell book Tom Milton gave her. Offered a phone call, she has no one she feels she can call without shame.

Tom Milton visits to discuss strategy. Acknowledging local prejudice and the risks of a guilty verdict, he proposes a plea bargain to manslaughter that could end the trial and limit prison time. Kya flatly rejects any admission of guilt and insists she will not go to prison, asking Milton to get her out “one way or the other.”

Back in her cell, a package from Jumpin’ and Mabel brings paints, muffins, and marsh tokens. As night falls, Sunday Justice, the courthouse cat, slips through the bars into her cell. He explores, settles on her lap, and sleeps beside her, providing the first easy companionship she has felt in weeks. In the morning he is gone, and Kya asks Jacob, the guard, to let the cat visit whenever possible. That evening Sunday Justice returns, eats her chicken, and curls up with her again.

On Saturday Jacob persuades Kya to see Tate. Tate says he has attended court daily and is feeding the gulls at her place. He promises to keep coming and to bring books. Kya thanks him but insists he forget her, explaining her fear of closeness after years of abandonment. Tate accepts her boundaries, shares small natural observations—owls calling, a Cooper’s hawk at her steps—and departs, vowing continued support.

Kya remains resolute: she will not confess to a lesser charge, she will guard her heart, and she will endure with small anchors of comfort—Sunday Justice’s presence, Jumpin’ and Mabel’s care, and Tate’s steadfast but kept-at-distance help.