Summary

The novel begins with Part One: New York, the End of May. Chapter 1 is a letter to Deborah from her husband's mistress. The letter accompanies a box of letters and other proof of the affair. She explains that she did not do anything to stop the affair and wonders if Deborah gets migraines like she does.

Chapter 2 introduces Kay, Deborah's 11-year-old daughter, and the things she learned living in the city, such as riding the subway and riding her bike. She was fearful learning and her friends applied a lot of peer pressure. Kay is on her way home and greets Angel, the doorman, who gives her the box addressed to Deborah. In the apartment, Kay decides to open the box and sees the letter from her father's mistress. She hears Deborah call for her, asking why she is late. When she sees...