Joe is preoccupied with thoughts about the future of the farm and the possibility of developers taking over.
Maisie receives a message asking her to euthanize a litter of feral kittens, highlighting the harsh realities of rural life.
Despite the workload, Joe insists that the family take a day off to go to the beach.
The narrator feels guilty about not knocking off work early, but decides to go to the beach after Joe's insistent persuasion.
The trip through the woods to the beach is reminiscent of both the family's history on the farm and the natural beauty of the land.
Emily, the narrator's daughter, expresses her wish to keep the current moment forever during their time on the beach.
The narrator and Emily discuss Emily's decision not to have children, their fears for the future, and the fate of the cherry farm.
Emily reveals that she never forgave her parents for burning old cherry trees when she was a child, symbolizing her current fears of loss.
The family tries to enjoy their day off at the beach, but underlying tensions and past traumas seep into their conversations.
The chapter includes a flashback to the narrator's past experiences with a theater director, a visit to a cherry farm, and the close-knit community of actors.
The chapter ends on the beach with the family still processing their emotions and trying to find some peace amid their worries.