In Chapter 14, Phoebe returns an outfit borrowed from Lila’s mother, Patricia, just before a bachelorette party. Surprised to see the clothing back, Patricia directs Phoebe to place the items near the raven sculptures adorning her room. The atmosphere is heavy with ravens, which Patricia, in her half-joking remark, implies represents all that is dead and gone in her life. Despite Patricia’s attempts to make it clear she wants privacy, Phoebe feels an urge to offer companionship, sensing the loneliness that surrounds the older woman.

Phoebe initiates a conversation, expressing her gratitude for the borrowed clothes and mentioning her trip to Patricia’s gallery, remarking on its impressive collection of artists over the years. Patricia reveals her affinity for both living and deceased artists, humorously discussing her collection of Hudson River School paintings and a Warhol piece. Their conversation becomes deeper as they link art to death, with Patricia expressing her discomfort at having “death paintings” hanging above her bed.

As they share a drink—an elderberry hibiscus margarita—Patricia reflects on her current situation. She feels trapped during her daughter’s wedding preparations, lamenting that Lila’s restrictions on her actions have made her life feel stifled. As they talk, Patricia reveals her history with Lila, reminiscing about their once-close relationship before grief drove them apart.

The conversation delves into intimate topics, such as boundaries, love, and loss. Patricia recounts insights about love and how it morphs as one ages, relaying wisdom learned through her tumultuous marriage to Henry and the pain of losing him. She expresses regret that Lila appears to be following in her footsteps of seeking validation through men, warning her that true love and self-acceptance come only from experiencing loss rather than through replacements.

Patricia and Phoebe’s dialogue eventually shifts to accepting aging, with Patricia illustrating that moving on from the past is paramount. As she reflects on the decisions she’s made regarding style and identity, she encourages Phoebe to embrace who she is rather than who she thinks she should be. This chapter showcases their evolving relationship, revealing vulnerability through shared stories of love, regret, and the complexities of familial bonds.