Flora and Ulysses Chapter 39 Summary

The Tears Roll Off

  • Dr. Meescham brings out jelly sandwiches for Flora and Ulysses. She notices Flora is on the horsehair sofa and tells her a story about it. 
  • Her grandma was born on that sofa, back in Blundermeecen. Those were tough times, and there were a bunch of trolls and always knitting to be done.
  • This makes Flora's head spin. Where is this Blundermeecen? And what trolls? 
  • Dr. Meescham tells her not to worry about any of that. Instead, she says that Flora's dad is a lonely guy; sometimes he comes over and tells Dr. M about his sadness on the horsehair sofa. 
  • Huh? Flora's not sure what to make of this information, but she tells herself to think of "seal blubber" to calm her nerves. 
  • Dr. Meescham continues and tells Flora that her dad has a big heart, and though Flora's never seen this side of her dad before, she believes Dr. M. 
  • Dr. M even says that cynics are just afraid to believe, but she, on the other hand, believes in things. 
  • A squirrel writing poetry? Why not? Dr. M is cool with that. She knows there's beauty everywhere in the world. 
  • Back in this mysterious Blundermeecen, miracles happened almost every day. 
  • Flora's dad knocks on the door, and he smiles when he sees Flora sitting and talking to Dr. M.