Oakland, California

Oakland, California is the primary backdrop for the narrative. This is the area in which Kathleen grew up. She moves back to Oakland roughly a week prior to the novel's start. She has taken a leave of absence from her PhD program and decided to leave Baltimore temporarily until she overcomes her heartbreak and contemplates her future.

Throughout her time in Oakland, Kathleen feels increasingly suffocated. Living with her mother again proves particularly triggering. Her mother's newly "sporty and self-possessed" demeanor particularly irks Kathleen (4). Furthermore, Kathleen is helping Marissa prepare for her upcoming wedding to Brian. She often struggles to temper her skepticism and moodiness whenever working on these plans with Marissa.

In order to balance her time with family, Kathleen reunites with old friends including LB, Andrew, and Luke. She also starts working at a cuddle clinic called Midas Touch. The longer she is in her...