Summary

In LaPointe's narrative, the troubled state of her marriage to Brandon is evident as she contemplates ending it, deeply hurt by his actions. Her mother advises her to give the marriage at least a year before making any decisions. Despite receiving daily apologetic emails from Brandon, who is still in Australia, LaPointe finds herself increasingly uncomfortable in their house, haunted by pictures of their past and unopened wedding gifts.

Reflecting on the past, LaPointe takes the reader back to the night she discovered Brandon's plans to go to Australia. Overwhelmed, she drives to Richard's house, seeking solace and support that she did not feel with Brandon at the time. Richard provides a safe space for her to cry and offers comfort during her stay there for multiple days. However, before LaPointe returns to Seattle, Richard expresses that he cannot be the reason...