Where The Watermelons Grow

The following morning, Della and Daddy pick blackberries while looking after Mylie. Daddy had tried to give Mama a pill that morning, but she ignored it. She returned to bed with a book after breakfast. Della notices Daddy looks haggard, and she feels sorry for him and angry at him at the same time. She wonders why he didn’t try harder to convince Mama to take the pill. When Daddy asks Della what’s wrong, she expresses this sentiment.

Daddy explains that he can’t make Mama do anything. He’s told her he doesn’t agree with her choices, but he cannot force her to take a pill and wouldn’t even if he could. Mama needs her agency. Della expresses that Mama is acting “crazy,” and Daddy scolds her for using that word. He explains that Mama is still Mama deep in there, and they need to understand this is hard for her too. He says Mama needs their love.

Daddy changes his tone and expresses that he’s prepared to make other plans for Della and Mylie if things get too chaotic. Mama isn’t willing to seek treatment, and Daddy can’t force her to go to the hospital unless she’s a danger to herself or others.