Chapter 4 Summary

Ria continues to work on autopilot. She manages to fill her days with household chores, attempting to have some sense of normalcy. Meanwhile, the days go by without notice. Ria never really knows if it is day or night. Ria maintains the hope that Danny will come to his senses and return home. Even Polly says that the affair with Bernadette will not last. Danny seems determined to go through with the separation and eventual divorce.

Marilyn Vine calls the house on Tara Road looking for Danny. Marilyn explains that she is interested in a house exchange. On a whim, Ria agrees. Marilyn will come to stay at Tara Road and Ria will go to Marilyn's home in Stoneyfield, Connecticut. Ria begins to make plans immediately. Ria will spend one month alone and one month with Annie and Brian. Ria keeps the information...