In winter 1968, while Kya paints for a new mushroom guide, a red pickup arrives. A uniformed man with a jagged facial scar appears—her brother Jodie. His scar jolts Kya into a flashback of an Easter beating when Pa struck Ma and slashed Jodie’s face with a poker. Back in the present, Jodie and Kya awkwardly reconnect over coffee.

Jodie explains his years away—war service, college—and apologizes for leaving her. He reveals their mother fled to New Orleans in a mental and physical collapse, was kept from returning by Pa’s threatening reply to her letter, and died of leukemia two years earlier after refusing treatment. Kya grieves and listens as Jodie shares that Ma painted the children constantly.

Outside, Jodie unveils Ma’s paintings: the siblings at the lagoon and a tender scene of toddler Kya with young Tate. They recall how Tate once defended Kya from Pa. Kya reflects that harsh parental choices can be ancient survival instincts, which helps her forgive Ma’s leaving, though not her failure to return.

They boat through familiar marsh routes, picnic, and share memories of Murph and Missy, learning that Kya’s gull-feeding began with her sister. That evening Kya cooks a Southern supper. She tells Jodie about Tate teaching her to read, and about Chase’s betrayal. Jodie urges her to consider that youth and distance shaped Tate’s past mistake and to risk love again.

Before leaving, they hang Ma’s paintings, transforming the shack with family images “pulled from the fire.” Jodie gives Kya his address and phone number, promises to stay in touch, and again encourages her to find Tate. Kya, overwhelmed by finally regaining family, weeps as she watches him drive away.