Ava develops a walking routine with Imani while Joyce busies herself developing plans for the Sewing Circus’s future. Ava has grown attached to the baby in the six weeks since they brought her home. Sometimes she talks to Imani during their walks, too. When Ava returns home one day, Joyce shows her the new statement of purpose she wrote for the Sewing Circus. Ava helps her adapt the language and hone the group’s list of goals. Together, the sisters list the things they think every free woman should know. When Joyce mentions self-defense, they get into an argument about guns, the political climate, and the difficult home situations the Sewing Circus women face. They also discuss love and sex. Ava understands “the possibilities of what Joyce [is] trying to do” for the first time (161). She decides that she doesn’t need to rush her California plans.

Eddie visits Ava and Joyce after seeing Johnny Mack. Mack plans to sell his house and move to Detroit with his son following the recent burglary. Joyce and Eddie agree the house would be perfect for the Sewing Circus.