Part Three: January 16-19, 1974 Summary

On Wednesday Bart mails the checkbook to Mary, and then treats himself to a movie—The Exorcist.

Mary calls, pleased, thinking he's sold the house. He lies, saying that he's found a big house in the country and he's going to get it together. He says that by paying her out, he's agreeing to her idea of divorce. He reassures her there will be no animosity. She tells him she's going back to school. He searches his mind for something memorable to say. Finally, he asks if she remembers the first day Charlie went to school. He remembers how strong Mary was when it was time to leave him behind, and how he had waffled, wanting to take his son home instead, and feeling like a traitor.

They decide she'll get the divorce, and she asks...