June regrets Alice learning about her parents from the note in the book. Before Alice came, she packed all reminders of Clem and Agnes in her storage shed in town. In June’s study, she has a hazelwood box hand-carved by Clem. It features Ruth, Wattle, June, and flowers surrounding Clem in the center. June thinks his work is beautiful but that it also shows that Clem was selfish.

When June told Agnes she was bequeathing Thornfield to her instead of her son, Clem overhead. Clem was so upset that he fled and cut off contact with June and the Flowers. June didn’t think he was deserving. Now, she carries the burden of these secrets.

After June buried her father at age 18, she went to the river, where she met a handsome, traveling man. They made love, and he returned every year. A few years later, when June was pregnant with Clem, the man didn’t return. June thinks their family’s women have bad luck with love. She works all night on a gift for Alice’s 10th birthday.

Since June won’t pursue the adoption, Twig secretly calls the state about information regarding adopting Alice’s little brother.

Alice opens her gift from June, which is a resin flower locket with a picture of Agnes inside.