Chapter 35 Summary: A Visit and a Shocking Discovery

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

After her conversation with Terrence, Lila feels compelled to visit Derek's mother, Mrs. Long, to offer her condolences and seek closure regarding her past with Derek. She arrives at the Long house, which used to be the Winters' house, bringing a box of ube crinkles as a gift. Mrs. Long is initially surprised but invites her in. The house is cold because Mr. Long keeps the thermostat low to save money. They chat about Tita Rosie's hospitality and the ube crinkles, which Mrs. Long enjoys. Lila follows Mrs. Long to the kitchen to get coffee, but they stop abruptly when they discover Mr. Long lying on the floor with a knife in his chest. Mrs. Long asks Lila to call the police.

Key Events

Lila decides to visit Mrs. Long to make amends and talk about Derek.
She arrives at the house with ube crinkles, a dessert she knows Mrs. Long likes.
Mrs. Long invites her in despite her husband's disapproval of Lila.
They talk about the cold house, Tita Rosie's cooking, and the ube crinkles.
Lila follows Mrs. Long to the kitchen for coffee.
They find Mr. Long dead on the kitchen floor with a knife in his chest.
Mrs. Long asks Lila to call the police.

Character Development

Lila Macapagal shows growth by seeking out Mrs. Long to address unresolved feelings about Derek and his death. She demonstrates empathy and a desire to understand Mrs. Long's perspective. Her reaction to the discovery of Mr. Long's body shows her capacity for quick action under pressure.
Mrs. Long reveals a strained home life, hinting at financial control by her husband and loneliness. Her initial hesitation and her quick consumption of the ube crinkles suggest emotional vulnerability and a need for comfort.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Hospitality and Food: The ube crinkles symbolize Lila's attempt to bridge a gap with Mrs. Long. The conversation about Tita Rosie's pushy hospitality contrasts with the coldness of the Long house, highlighting the theme of family warmth versus isolation.
Seeking Closure: Lila's visit represents her effort to make peace with the past before moving forward in her relationship with Adeena.
Hidden Violence: The sudden discovery of Mr. Long's body underscores the theme of secrets and violence lurking beneath suburban surface.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter marks a turning point in the mystery. Mr. Long's death adds another murder to the plot, raising the stakes for Lila. It also deepens our understanding of the Long family's dysfunction and hints at possible motives others might have had. Lila's decision to seek closure with Mrs. Long shows her emotional growth, even as the discovery implicates her in yet another crime scene.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Lila feel she needs to talk to Mrs. Long before making up with Adeena?
Lila believes that putting the past to rest with Derek's mother will help her move forward. She wants to hear Mrs. Long's side of the story and understand where things went wrong between her and Derek, so she can be fully present in her friendship with Adeena.
What does the conversation between Lila and Mrs. Long reveal about Mrs. Long's home life?
The conversation reveals that Mr. Long controls the household budget (keeping the heat low), that Mrs. Long feels lonely and appreciates the warmth of the Macapagal home, and that she may not have had many opportunities to enjoy good food or company. Her eagerness to eat the ube crinkles and her hesitation to invite Lila in suggest a life under her husband's strict oversight.
What is the significance of the ube crinkles in this chapter?
The ube crinkles serve as a peace offering and a symbol of shared memory between Lila and Mrs. Long. They also demonstrate Lila's thoughtfulness (she remembered Mrs. Long's love of ube) and provide a moment of comfort before the shocking discovery. The cookies are a tangible link to Filipino culture and Lila's family hospitality.