Part 2 Summary

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Violet releases her birds after the funeral, as they are the only living beings she can communicate with and who respond to her. However, when she no longer has the obligation to take care of them, she feels that her daily routine has been disrupted. Since the birds are no longer around, she struggles to sleep due to the absence of the task of looking after them.

The memory of Dorcas brings a gloomy atmosphere to the house. Violet is deeply affected by her memories of Dorcas, as they seem to cause her emotional pain wherever she goes. Conversely, Joe is grateful that he is able to hold onto every memory he has of Dorcas, and does not want to forget a single detail about her. Joe reminisces about their first encounter when he was delivering beauty supplies, and recalls how Dorcas had shown interest in him. He fondly remembers the thrill of desire he felt and how he had prepared for their eventual union.

Joe struggles to retain memories of the love he shared with Violet, which he has already lost. As a result, he seeks solace in Dorcas to rekindle his emotions. Joe reflects on his first encounter with Violet in Vesper County, Virginia in 1906 and recalls the thrill of traveling to the city on the train during the final wave of the Great Migration. Joe also recollects how African-American men were sometimes employed as strike breakers when they needed jobs.

Joe is reflecting on why individuals have an affection for cities, and in doing so, he recalls his birthplace, Tyrell in Vesper County. Joe desires to release himself from the emotional pain he experienced there, particularly concerning his mother. He longs for someone to confide in, and it so happens that Dorcas has her own share of suffering to share. She lost her mother in a fire, and her father in a race riot.

Joe visits his neighbor Malvonne with the intention of renting her room. As the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Malvonne's nephew, Sweetness, is causing her trouble by stealing letters to search for money, which Malvonne reads when she finds them. When the letters require action, Malvonne intervenes. She prioritizes her community and the letters over the lives of the wealthy white people she works for.

Joe persuades Malvonne to allow him to pay to use her place for his meetings with Dorcas. Even though he has never been unfaithful before, he now feels the need for someone. Joe believes that Violet is more attentive to her birds than to him.

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