Summary

Jean and Earl stayed with Jamie and Michael for a few days before they left on a cruise. She had begun doing her own hair because she claimed the hairdresser kept messing up her appointment times. But Earl said it was Jean who was getting confused. Jean was still unable to get over Jamie’s suicide attempt. She was telling the story to everyone she knew around Beaumont. Jamie still suffered from guilt, shame and, most of all, alcoholism. Jamie attended therapy sessions after his return.

Jamie attended sobriety meetings every day. At one meeting he left early and went to a bar across the street. He got drunk which eased his pain. He went back on the wagon the next day. Seven months later he was in the same spot but shared his desire...