Love, Stargirl

Stargirl admits she will never mail her letter to Leo, saying he will only read it if she hands it to him, and she will not be with him again unless she knows they will always be together. She savors a dream about Arnold jumping into the canal and becoming a dark, swimming shadow who is both Perry and Ondine. Stargirl renames the Enchanted Hill, “Calendar Hill.” The town prepares for Blobfest, a festival celebrating the classic movie, The Blob, which was filmed in the local Colonial Theater. The festival includes a reenactment, costume contest, and Margie’s special donuts.

Stargirl learns that Betty Lou was once an accomplished gardener. She still cherishes her night-blooming cereus, a desert plant that produces one delicious-smelling flower, one night a year. It is almost ready to flower. Stargirl visits daily to check on the bud. One moonlit night, the flower opens: It is magnificent. Stargirl wakes Betty Lou and urges her to come outside and see the flower, but Betty Lou tearfully refuses. Stargirl drags the potted plant to the back door where the two hold hands, sing, talk, and then fall asleep.