Summary

Chapter 5 begins about 4 years after Rebecca Shaw’s disappearance. Richard Clark’s mother’s mobility has declined, and Richard worries about her. Martin sends Ruth a Valentine’s Day card, but he does not sign it. Austin Cooper begins suffering from an uncomfortable churning in his stomach, and nothing seems to relieve it. Susanna continues teaching yoga, and the attendees continue to be only women. James, Rohan, Lynsey, and Sophie smoke cannabis together, and James tells Rohan about Rebecca. They had been friends with her and thought of her as very mature and interesting. James and the others are now preparing to apply to university, and they are sad that they will likely enroll in different schools.

Claire now lives on the Jackson farm, as she is married to Will. She helps take care of Tom and of Mr. Jackson, who is still slowly...