Reminders of Him Chapter 2: Kenna's Arrival and Crossroads
Spoiler Notice: This chapter summary and analysis contains detailed events from Chapter 2 of Reminders of Him. If you have not read the chapter, proceed with caution.
Summary
After being released from transitional housing, Kenna takes a taxi to the town where Scotty died. On the way, she stops the driver to steal a wooden cross placed at the roadside accident site—a memorial she assumes was left by Scotty's mother, Grace. Kenna removes it because Scotty hated roadside memorials. She reflects on her guilt: she pleaded guilty because she believes her inaction contributed to his death (she thought he was dead but he crawled). Arriving at Paradise Apartments, she finds a dilapidated studio unit. The eccentric landlady, Ruth, offers to cover the electricity deposit for a month in exchange for Kenna taking one of her many kittens. Kenna reluctantly accepts a black-and-orange kitten. Alone in her tiny apartment, Kenna thinks about her daughter, Diem (named as a play on "carpe diem"), and reaffirms her determination to find her.
Key Events
- Kenna stops the taxi to pull Scotty's wooden cross from the ground outside the town, believing his mother Grace placed it there.
- She reflects on her guilty plea and the details she avoided during the preliminary hearing—specifically that Scotty crawled several feet after the crash.
- Kenna pays cash for a studio at Paradise Apartments, run by Ruth, a blunt older woman who asks no questions.
- Ruth forces a kitten on Kenna in exchange for keeping the electric service active for one month without a deposit.
- Kenna explores her sparse, dirty apartment—a significant upgrade from shared cells and transitional housing.
- She ends the chapter thinking about the name she gave her daughter, Diem, and her plan to reunite with her.
Character Development
Kenna carries immense guilt for Scotty's death, but she also exhibits resilience and a sense of autonomy. Removing the cross shows that she still feels connected to Scotty's wishes, even if that puts her in conflict with Grace. Her decision to rent a dilapidated apartment rather than stay in transitional housing demonstrates her determination to rebuild her life independently. Accepting the kitten—despite her clear reluctance—reveals her willingness to trade convenience for responsibility. The chapter closes with her emotional anchor: the name Diem, which fuels her purpose.
Ruth is introduced as a practical, eccentric figure. She runs the building like a fiefdom, using the kitten as a bargaining chip. Her no-nonsense attitude ("Try not to need anything") hints at a harsh survival environment.
Scotty remains a powerful offstage presence. Through Kenna's memory, we learn about his dislike for roadside crosses and the grim circumstances of his death. He is defined by the detail that he crawled, which compounds Kenna's guilt.
Themes, Symbols, or Motifs
- Guilt and Responsibility: Kenna's internal conflict revolves around the difference between action and inaction. She legally pleaded guilty but still struggles with moral culpability.
- The Cross as a Symbol: The wooden cross represents public mourning versus private wishes. Kenna's theft of the cross is an attempt to honor the real Scotty over the current memorial.
- The Kitten: The unwanted kitten becomes a symbol of imposed responsibility and new beginnings. Kenna's acceptance mirrors her broader choice to accept the difficult circumstances of starting over.
- Poverty and Dignity: The rundown apartment and the electricity deposit deal highlight the financial constraints Kenna faces. Her resolve to make it work shows her commitment to proving she is independent.
Why This Chapter Matters
Chapter 2 establishes Kenna's current physical and emotional landscape. It deepens the mystery of Scotty's death by revealing that Kenna pleaded guilty despite believing her inaction—not direct action—caused the crash. The chapter introduces the core conflict between Kenna and the Landrys (indirectly through Grace's memorial). It also plants the most important plot seed: Kenna's daughter Diem, who is not physically present but will drive Kenna's actions going forward. The chapter's close—"Carpe Diem"—transforms the chapter from a bleak survival scene into a declaration of purpose.
Study Questions
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Why does Kenna steal the roadside cross from Scotty's accident site?
Kenna believes Scotty would have hated a roadside memorial—he expressed dislike for them. She assumes Grace placed the cross, and taking it is her way of honoring Scotty's actual feelings rather than allowing someone else's grief to define him. It also reflects her attempt to reclaim a measure of control over the narrative of his death. -
How does the kitten exchange illustrate Kenna's current situation?
The kitten deal shows Kenna's financial desperation: she accepts an unwanted pet to avoid a $250 electricity deposit. It also forces her to take on immediate responsibility for another life, mirroring her larger struggle to prove she can be self-sufficient. The kitten becomes a test of her ability to handle commitments. -
What does the name "Diem" reveal about Kenna's mindset?
Kenna chose "Diem" as a reference to the phrase carpe diem, meaning "seize the day." The name reflects her determination to make the most of her second chance and actively pursue reunification with her daughter. It signals a shift from passive guilt to active hope.