Aurora's feet decide before Aurora does. The Hat Lady moves through the aisle with the unhurried certainty of someone who has outwitted every small child she has ever met — the hat alone is irresistible, silk roses catching the light like a very stylish weather event. Aurora trots in her wake, birdseed still clutched. Ahead, Flavio's boutonnière wavers as the hat approaches. The Hat Lady stops two feet short of him, opens her handbag with sublime calm, and produces a single wrapped caramel. She holds it out. The standoff collapses immediately. Flavio hands over the boutonnière — pressed back into Uncle Gianni's grateful lapel — takes the caramel, and considers the matter closed. The Hat Lady turns. She regards Aurora with one raised silver eyebrow and says nothing. Aurora looks at her fist. She looks at the potted fern beside pew three. She deposits the birdseed into the fern with immense dignity. The Hat Lady nods once. The organist drops back to a sensible volume, and the priest resumes exactly where he left off.