Chapter 38 Summary and Analysis

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

You can also jump to the previous chapter summary or the next chapter summary.

For the full picture, visit the book hub.

Now, let's dive into Chapter 38.

Summary

The chapter opens on a late-night drive toward Memphis. Josie is at the wheel while Tom sleeps in the passenger seat. The darkness and the hum of the road create a private, almost confessional atmosphere. Cate, in the backseat, breaks the silence by whispering Josie's name, and the two begin a conversation that will reshape Josie's understanding of her own origins.

Cate brings up the strange phenomenon of birds falling from the sky, which they witnessed earlier. She suspects it was Gina Grassi's doing, a manifestation of her supernatural abilities. Josie counters that all of the nine girls have unusual powers, so Gina's actions shouldn't be surprising. This exchange sets the stage for a deeper discussion about what their abilities mean and where they come from.

The conversation then shifts to Lily-Anne, one of the original women who gave birth to a