Summary

In Chapter 7, "The Beginning of Knowing," Lori enters Wendell's office for the first time. She is surprised to find a very unusual setup--two sofas, equal length, instead of the usual couch (for the therapist) facing a chair (for the patient). The absence of clear designated positions discomfits her. She isn't sure where to sit. Finally, she relaxes into one seat on the couch and Wendell goes and sits on the other couch. She sits so she is further from him. She explains about her breakup. She worries that Boyfriend was "the end of the line" (46). He draws attention back to a comment she makes he finds particularly significant, that "half her life is over" (47). Instead of validating her feelings about Boyfriend, Wendell hears her out, but is also interested in other issues she seems to be avoiding discussing. He is intense but gentle...