Project Mulberry

Two weeks later, the silkworm eggs arrive. Patrick has Julia open the box. Though Julia objects, at Kenny’s request, Patrick shows him the test tube of eggs. They store the eggs in the fridge and then arrange to retrieve their first set of leaves from Mr. Dixon’s house. Mrs. Song warns Julia not to bother Mr. Dixon, but Julia remains uncertain of her mother’s motivations.

Afterward, they place some leaves and water in the aquarium with the eggs. Patrick prepares to film and invites Kenny to help with the project. Julia disagrees until she realizes Patrick’s intentions: By involving Kenny in the project, he will be more invested in protecting the silkworms and less likely to damage Patrick and Julia’s hard work.

Patrick videotapes the eggs every day for six days, but they remain unchanged, so he stops. On day 15, Kenny reports that the eggs have changed. Patrick begins filming and taking photos again, and Julia wonders when the eggs will hatch.

In the end-of-chapter dialogue, Julia catches Ms. Park as she is preparing to give a speech. Julia tells Ms. Park to remind them both of the word “cycle,” as she has an idea she thinks Ms.