35. 2010
Contains spoilersOverview
Jet cares for Nana during a worsening infection, then finds Nana has died peacefully at home. Jet and her father set aside past hurt to arrange the funeral, where friends and the Darnells offer support and shared grief. After the service, Jet begins reassessing her memories of her father and, over sundaes, opens a cautious path toward reconciliation as he shares childhood stories of Nana.
Summary
In 2010, Jet manages Nana’s bladder infection, returning to the doctor when symptoms worsen and learning it has progressed to a kidney infection. Sent home with a new antibiotic, Jet monitors Nana, anxious about side effects and complications, and resolves to call the doctor with questions.
The next day, Jet lets Nana rest late, then checks on her at midday and finds her dead, still warm and appearing peacefully asleep. Jet confirms there is no breath or pulse, grieves at her bedside until the light shifts, then calls her father. He arrives quickly to be alone with his mother’s body.
Jet reflects on grief’s recurrence, her fears about her father relapsing, and her regret-laced comparisons with her mother’s death. Determined to honor Nana, Jet and her father jointly plan the funeral, temporarily setting aside their history.
At the service, Davis and Bekah send white roses, and Kendi, Shauna, and Michael attend in quiet support. Jet thanks Shauna for being family after Lillian’s death and watches Shauna comfort Jet’s father, mirroring a memory from Lillian’s funeral. Jet questions the line between reasons and excuses for her father’s past behavior.
Kendi remarks on Nana’s strength and notes Jet’s father is present and sober, challenging Jet’s low expectations. Michael tells Jet she was one of Elise’s most beautiful parts, which moves her. Guests share stories of Nana’s kindness and quirks; afterward, Nana is buried at Greenwood, and Jet learns Nana left her the house, a planned but still startling bequest.
When the crowd disperses, Jet’s father invites her to Braum’s across from the cemetery. They eat sundaes in funeral clothes as he shares that Nana took him for “Sundaes on Sundays” after mass when he was a boy, opening a conversation about his childhood and their shared experiences of being raised by Elise. They talk for hours, and Jet decides to give him a chance while he is present and sober.
Who Appears
- Jet
narrator; cares for Nana during illness, discovers Nana’s death, plans the funeral, and begins cautiously reconnecting with her father.
- Nana (Elise Brighton)
Jet’s grandmother and caregiver; dies peacefully at home; remembered as strong, thoughtful, and particular; leaves the house to Jet.
- Ryan
Jet’s father; grieves deeply, remains present and sober through the funeral, shares childhood memories of Nana over sundaes.
- Shauna
Kendi’s mother; attends, comforts Ryan, and accepts Jet’s thanks for past support.
- Michael
Shauna’s husband; attends, offers Jet kind words about Elise.
- Kendi
Jet’s close friend; attends the service, offers perspective on Ryan’s presence and sobriety, asks about Jet’s Houston trip.
- Davis Condie
Lillian’s son; not present but sends white roses with Bekah.
- Bekah
Davis’s wife; sends white roses with Davis.