Summary

Chapter 4 begins in the year 1989, when the Skinner children are teenagers. Caroline, who has been prone to anxiety throughout her childhood, argues with Noni at the dinner table how it’s unfair that Joe is allowed a later curfew than her, despite being younger. Noni responds by saying that Joe is allowed out late because he is providing a valuable role as designated driver for his partying friends. Renee becomes a serious academic, and commutes to college at the nearby University of Connecticut in order to care for the family. In 1992, Fiona watches as all three of her siblings depart for college at once (Renee to graduate school). As they pack, Caroline’s longtime boyfriend, Nathan Duffy, comes over. They make the surprise announcement that they have gotten married. After a tenuous second, when it seems that Noni will condemn the marriage, she...