Here in the Real World

Ware watches Jolene smash concrete and wonders why the lot doesn’t feel more “holy.” He thinks about what his mother said when she read his school report on knights, and how she balked at the idea of women needing to be saved by knights. This discouraged Ware, because it led to the realization that he may never be able to become a knight or be a hero himself. When Ashley appears at the lot, Ware takes it upon himself to defend Jolene. He tells Ashley that she must have her father call off the auction, as he and Jolene work to build the moat.

Ware sneaks over to the market after Jolene leaves, hoping to purchase some fruit. He loves the sight of all the colors, and finds some fresh papayas on the checkout counter which he buys to bring home. Behind the woman at the counter, Ware can see a backyard garden, and Jolene and Mrs. Stavros outside. Jolene is eating and laughing, a sound that Ware has never heard from her before.