Since Lily's mother supposed deserted her daughter at an
early age, Rosaleen was the only female influence in Lily's life. At this time in
adolescence, puberty becomes an overwhelming issue. Rosaleen helps Lily adapt to
adulthood and becomes her only source of information. Rosaleen is Lily's only friend.
The young girl escorts Rosaleen to register to vote. Lily witnesses racial hatred and
Rosaleen's beating. Rescuing her from the jail, Lily accompanies Rosaleen in her flight
from the law. The two journey toward the only hints of the past that Lily has about her
mother. At any time, the two of them could have gone their separate ways, but they clung
to each other helping to bridge the uncertain world between blacks and whites, and
abusive fathers and abused daughters.
Once arriving at the
Boatwrights, Lily and Rosaleen share the quarters in the honey business shed. Over time,
each finds her own place in the sisters' home. Rosaleen remains Lily's confidant and
later helps repair the fragmented memories of the frightened five year old Lily whose
memories of her mother's shooting haunt her.
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