The important and necessary interdependency among people is evident in the relationship between Taylor and Lou Ann. Taylor's independent, tough-acting personality tends to rub off on Lou Ann, who is generally timid and meek. For the first time, Lou Ann steadfastly maintains her own opinion when she and Taylor discuss what they think a bird is saying. And when Taylor is upset because Lou Ann had to endure sexual harassment in a recent job interview, Lou Ann comments that Taylor never lets anyone take advantage of her. Taylor is a positive influence on Lou Ann. She won't allow Lou Ann to be put down by anyone, nor will she allow Lou Ann to put herself down.
Despite the suffering that people endure, miracles do happen. For example, while Taylor, Turtle, Lou Ann, and Dwayne Ray are sitting under the arbor in Roosevelt Park, Turtle looks up at the wisteria flowers and says, "Beans." Taylor and Lou Ann try to explain that the buzz is from a bee. Turtle points and says, "Bean trees." She is right. The wisteria flowers that have gone to seed look just like beans.
