The following version of this story was used to create the guide: Adichie, Chimamanda Ngozi. "The Arrangements." The New York Times Book Review, 2016.

In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's short story "The Arrangements," the third person narrator traces Melania Trump's complex stream of consciousness and shifts in mood as she prepares a party for her parents' wedding anniversary.

On the morning of the party, Melania decided she would order the floral arrangements for the party on her own. Her husband, Donald, was too distracted with his campaign. Besides, she wanted to impress her mother, and order the flowers from a new florist, using her own money. Her mother had taught her how to do little things to please her husband.

As she finished her morning beauty routine, Melania contemplated the coming evening's preparations. She was in a surprisingly good mood, which she attributed to the sunshine, and her stepdaughter Tiffany's impending departure. Though now that she thought about it, Tiffany was not nearly as offensive as Donald's other children. In comparison to Ivanka, Tiffany was at least somewhat respectful. Even thinking of Ivanka threatened Melania's happy mood. She dismissed thoughts of her stepdaughter, and tried finishing her preparations before her Pilates session.

A series of texts from Donald, however, disrupted her calm. He announced his recent lead in the polls. Though she responded happily, Melania was privately dismayed. She had never thought her husband had a chance at all. She did not want him to win, as his rise to power would change her entire life. She dismissed these thoughts, too, determined not to taint the coming evening.

The butler knocked on the door, announcing Tiffany. Tiffany entered, thanked Melania, and hugged her goodbye. Just before leaving, she turned, and told Melania that Ivanka had been donating to Hillary Clinton's campaign. Though she could not understand why Tiffany would tell her this, Melania was pleased with the information. She hid her surprise and satisfaction.

Shortly thereafter, Melania's Pilates instructor, Janelle, arrived. Melania liked Janelle, but wished she were less serious and dignified. Throughout their session, she wondered what it would be like to be intimate with Janelle. She often considered asking her to lunch after their sessions, but feared Janelle's rejection.

In the bath afterwards, Melania read reports about her husband. She did not like the way the media represented Donald, because she felt protective of him. Unlike other people, Melania understood that her husband's obsession with attention and fame was inspired by his insatiable restlessness. Then Melania looked at pictures of herself. They were mostly unflattering.

When Donald returned, he was in a bad mood. Melania calmed him down. Then Ivanka arrived, and disrupted the peace. She fueled her father's rage, upsetting Melania. When Melania tried contributing to their conversation, both Donald and Ivanka dismissed and disparaged her. They went into a private meeting, emerging 30 minutes later. Donald announced his plans to leave the Republican Party, a decision Melania knew was inspired by Ivanka. She did not fret, however, because she was concocting a plan of her own. That night after the party, she would call Donald into her room, and expose Ivanka's disloyalty.

Ivanka left. The doorbell rang, and Melania's guests arrived.