Summary

In Chapter 5, Mariam finally joined Yosef in the car. Just as they were about to pull out, she told Yosef she left something upstairs. Back inside, she sat on the bed, not having forgotten anything at all: making her husband wait was her way of seizing power in a relationship over which she felt she had no control.

With Mariam back in the car, Yosef noted the book she had with her, the item she supposedly had forgotten. Because the text was in English and Mariam cannot read it, he knew she lied. A fight ensued. The air in the car altered, signaling coming violence. He accelerated out of the drive. Jonas imagines him noting the trees, finding some beauty in the autumn.

In Chapter 6, Angela calculated their expenses, trying to make a budget. Jonas excused himself to avoid the discussion. When he...