The Patron Saint of Liars

Sissy tries to look for Rose, but she cannot find her anywhere. There is no indication that foul play was involved, so even the police won’t help her. Rose left two notes: a two-week menu for the kitchen and a letter addressed to “Everyone,” in which she apologizes and says that she had to leave and that she hopes they will one day wish her well.

Son chats with Sissy and tells her about Cecilia and how terrible it was when she died in an accident. He then says that Rose isn’t dead. Sissy goes to talk to Sister Evangeline, who is still in bed. Sister Evangeline is heartbroken that Rose has left and explains that she tried to talk her out of it. She says that something scared Rose and she had to leave. Sissy gets in bed with Sister Evangeline, and they talk about saints and their sadness.

Despite Rose’s absence, nothing is different at dinner. Sissy goes to her home to see if Rose left any clues. She doesn’t find anything but is grateful to see that her mother has taken some of the presents that Sissy has given her over the years. Son comes into the house, too, after seeing the light on from the road. Sissy takes some things from the house and returns home with Son.

A few days later, Lorraine comes over to dye Sissy’s hair to try and distract her. While there, Lorraine admits that she might want to stay on at Saint Elizabeth’s like Rose did. Sissy can’t believe she wants to stay and refuses to help out in the kitchen in any capacity. However, when Sissy starts helping Sister Evangeline get ready every morning, she realizes how much Rose did for everyone.

One day, a man shows up at Saint Elizabeth’s and asks to see Rose. Sissy goes to meet him, and he introduces himself as Thomas Clinton. Thomas is surprised to learn that Rose had a child. The nuns go in search of Son, and Thomas and Sissy go into the kitchen. There, Sissy reveals that Rose isn’t at Saint Elizabeth’s anymore, and Thomas reveals that he is her husband. He says they never divorced but that it wasn’t an issue since he never wanted to remarry. Thomas has come to Saint Elizabeth’s because Rose’s mother died, and he wanted to tell her in person. He explains that he looked for Rose for years after she left but eventually stopped looking. He says that he and Rose’s mother were especially close.

Sissy is shocked that Thomas just missed seeing Rose, but he explains that she probably left because of him. He had sent her a note telling her he was coming. Thomas seems very upset by all this. Son comes into the kitchen, and Sissy is surprised at how afraid he looks. The two men introduce themselves to each other.

Sissy invites Thomas to spend the night. They offer Rose’s home to him, and Lorraine takes him over to the house. After Lorraine leaves, Son speaks to Sissy, telling her to lie about her age to Thomas. He tells her he doesn’t want Thomas to realize that Rose and Son got married right after Rose left him. Sissy talks to Lorraine about Son’s request, and she is confused about why he would request such a thing. She admits to not understanding her mother and why she married Son.

Sissy fills Sister Evangeline in on the situation, and Sister Evangeline says she wishes Rose had told her that she had two husbands. She wants to meet Thomas, so they all plan to have dinner together. Son is very nervous before the dinner. Sissy goes to pick up Thomas and take him to Saint Elizabeth’s. Over dinner, Thomas admits that he finds it funny that Rose was known for her cooking because he doesn’t remember her ever cooking. He only remembers her driving. Sissy asks if he will continue looking for Rose, and he says he won’t because he wouldn’t know where to start.

The next morning, Sissy comes to say goodbye to Thomas. She has grown to like him and feels connected to him in some way. She asks him questions about her mother. He shows her some old pictures of Rose, offering to give her one and saying he will make copies of the rest for her. Sissy takes a picture of Rose from when she was in high school. Thomas leaves his phone number with her, too.

When Thomas leaves, Sissy is very sad and lingers outside, watching him go. For a moment, she imagines how things might be if Lorraine stays on at Saint Elizabeth’s after having her baby and Sissy takes care of them. She remarks that she is Lorraine’s sign from God.