Summary

In Chapter 1, “July 2016,” a month after Ava moved from Dublin to Hong Kong to teach English, she had lunch with her new British “banker friend Julian” (3). They talked about work, travel, school, and home. When they discussed the headlines, they agreed “it was an exciting time to be alive” (4). They started seeing each other thereafter.

In Chapter 2, Ava moved to Hong Kong because she blamed Dublin for her sadness. She was 22 and had recently finished school. However, her teaching job was difficult. Her manager Joan often scolded her for using the restroom between classes. Ava told her director Benny she would quit if he did not handle Joan. However, she needed the money, as she was saving for an abortion in England if necessary.

In Chapter 3, “August,” Ava started visiting Julian’s apartment. They ordered food, drank wine, and chatted. Sometimes Julian talked...