Lessons In Chemistry. Chapter 28.

Madeline, the city librarian, assists a girl named Madeleine in searching for an address in Iowa. Madeleine is looking for a boy's home with a girl's name, which leads to a discussion about the possibility of the place being named after a saint. A Reverend joins their conversation, suggesting the name 'Sioux City' and later revealing his own search for a boy's home where his father grew up. The conversation touches on family trees, personal histories, and the Reverend's own search for humor and inspiration in his religious life.

Madeleine and the Reverend continue their discussion about family trees and the impact of one's ancestry on their identity. Madeleine shares her own family's complex history, including her jailed grandfather and her mother's criminal past. The Reverend reflects on the contradictions in his role as a minister, the need for people to believe in a positive future, and the challenges of officiating funerals while dealing with the harsh realities of life and death.

The Reverend and Madeleine discover a surprising connection when she reveals her father's name, Calvin Evans, who the Reverend knew as a fellow student at Harvard Divinity School. The Reverend shares the story of his friendship with Calvin, their shared interests, and the abrupt end to their correspondence due to Calvin's strained relationship with his father. The conversation leads to a deeper reflection on the nature of family, secrets, and the impact of the past on the present.

The Reverend recounts his experience at Calvin Evans' funeral and his encounter with a woman and a dog, who were the only mourners present. He reflects on the brevity and significance of Calvin's life, his contributions to science, and the impact of his death. The Reverend is left with a sense of loss and a newfound appreciation for the people who make a real difference in the world.

Madeleine surprises the Reverend by revealing that she is Calvin Evans' daughter, providing a newspaper clipping from her father's funeral as proof. The Reverend is taken aback by this revelation and struggles to reconcile the information with his memories of Calvin. Madeleine's matter-of-fact approach to discussing her family's unconventional structure and her loss challenges the Reverend's perceptions of family and grief.

Madeleine and the Reverend share a moment of trust as she asks him to keep a secret, whispering something significant in his ear. The nature of the secret is not revealed, but the exchange highlights the bond that has formed between them. The Reverend is left in awe, reflecting on the complexity of human relationships and the unexpected ways in which people's lives can intersect.