A Handful of Stars

Alongside Pépère, Lily heads to the pageant, carrying items for her booth and three bee houses for Salma’s talent presentation. Pépère reminisces about Lily’s mother, sharing surprising details about her pre-pageant nervousness and her determination to break stereotypes about French Canadians. Lily, disbelieving, feels a newfound connection to her mother. They pick up Salma, quizzing her on blueberry facts on their way to the pageant.

Entering the pageant area, Salma’s hairdresser, Brittany, shares a surprised look with Hannah as Salma takes a seat. Brittany engages Salma in a conversation about her life at the camp, drawing parallels with camping in the woods, but Lily advocates for Salma, countering her comments. Salma expresses her joy after the makeover. Upon Rosa’s entrance, mother and daughter exchange a warm hug. Initially feeling left out, Lily is soon invited into the embrace.

Entering the pageant venue with Salma, Rosa, and Pépère, Lily observes Hannah’s family in the front row but refrains from greeting them, wary of the potential fallout from her decision not to cheer for Hannah. Anxiety fills Lily as she contemplates Salma’s impending return to Florida after the pageant. Salma’s father and other workers from the camp occupy the back row, and despite not expecting their presence, Lily feels a twinge of jealousy at Salma’s strong familial support.