June is the closest figure to an antagonist in Lily's life for much of the story. June is the Boatright sister who is angry about Lily's staying with them. Unbeknownst to Lily, June resents the fact that her sister August had a menial job in Deborah Fontanel's home years earlier. June also is unhappy that a white girl is staying with them, prompting Lily to think about discrimination in a reverse way. Within June, however, is a kind and generous person who works as a cellist at the local hospital, where she plays for dying patients. Because June was left at the altar years earlier, she is afraid to love again and strings along the hapless Neil. But, ever patient, he finally wins her love after May leaves June advice that she must seize happiness while she can.
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