Reminders of Him Chapter 18: “17” – Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Notice

This chapter contains major plot developments. Read only if you’ve finished the book or don’t mind spoilers.

Summary (Chronological)

Kenna begins her first day at a grocery store orientation. While watching training videos, she writes a letter to Scotty recalling a memory from their early relationship. They had visited an antique shop where Scotty jokingly bought her ten rubber hand toys after a ring was too expensive. He mentioned saving for an engagement ring, hinting at a future together. Kenna now reflects on their shattered dreams. After orientation, she starts bagging groceries and spots Ledger’s truck. She avoids him but is called to bag his groceries. She discovers a hair tie with a strand of hair that matches her own, presumably from their daughter Diem. Ledger confirms Diem looks like her. Kenna learns he has known Diem since she was brought home from the hospital. Feeling jealous and emotional, she keeps the hair tie.

Key Events

Kenna writes a letter to Scotty during orientation.
Flashback to Kenna and Scotty at an antique shop; he buys rubber hands.
Scotty mentions marriage for the first time.
Kenna starts working as a bagger at the grocery store.
She sees Ledger’s truck in the parking lot.
Ledger shops at the store; Kenna is forced to bag his groceries.
Kenna finds a hair tie with her daughter’s hair in Ledger’s truck.
Ledger answers that Diem looks like Kenna.
Kenna discovers Ledger has been in Diem’s life since infancy.

Character Development

Kenna: Shows resilience starting a new job. Her letter reveals deep nostalgia and pain. She struggles with jealousy toward Ledger’s relationship with Diem but also acknowledges his decency. Her decision to keep the hair tie symbolizes her desperate connection to her daughter.
Ledger: Appears conflicted. He initiates conversation, asks about her commute, and shows concern about the storm. His admission that Diem looks like Kenna reveals he sees Kenna in the child. His demeanor is less hostile than earlier, hinting at possible softening.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Memory and Letters: Kenna’s letters preserve her history with Scotty for Diem. The rubber hand toys symbolize their playful love and Scotty’s humor.
Motherhood and Connection: The hair tie becomes a tangible link to Diem. Kenna’s longing to know her child drives her actions.
Class and Circumstance: Kenna’s minimum wage job contrasts with Scotty’s visionary talk of wealth. The phrase “American Dream” underscores the gap between aspiration and reality.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter deepens Kenna’s integration into the community and her interactions with Ledger. It provides a crucial memory of Scotty that humanizes their relationship and explains Kenna’s attachment. The discovery of the hair tie and confirmation that Diem resembles her advance Kenna’s emotional arc and set up future encounters with Ledger.

Study Questions and Answers

Why does Kenna keep the hair tie with Diem’s hair?
The hair tie is the first physical evidence of her daughter she has touched. It gives her a sensory connection to Diem—the color matches her own—and provides a momentary sense of closeness despite their separation.
What does the flashback to the antique shop reveal about Kenna and Scotty’s relationship?
It shows they were in a committed, loving stage where they talked about the future. Scotty’s joke about saving for rings and robbing his friend (Ledger) foreshadows their later connections. The memory contrasts sharply with Kenna’s present loneliness.
How does Ledger’s behavior in this chapter differ from earlier chapters?
Ledger initiates small talk, asks about Kenna’s well-being, and confirms Diem looks like her. He does not lash out or physically remove her, indicating possible reconsideration or compassion. His offer to help with transportation shows a crack in his hostility.