Summary

In “Prologue,” Sunday begins peacefully. However, when the narrator’s husband tells her they “need to find a moment to talk,” she knows their marriage is over (1).

In “Monday, six days earlier,” although the narrator and her husband have been married for 13 years, she is still in love with him (5). Because “Passion is inappropriate,” she restrains her feelings (5). However, she has trouble navigating her emotions without relevant examples of “how to love better, less intensely” (6). The marriage is ideal, but she feels a void in the relationship.

The narrator has taught English “for nearly fifteen years” (7). She enjoys her work, especially on Mondays. She likes being the center of attention. She also likes Mondays because they are blue and remind her of beginnings.

When the narrator returns home, the housekeeper Rosa has finished cleaning. The kitchen is stocked, as her husband just...