Summary

Clifford persisted with his criticism of Faith’s parenting. Faith was indignant. She recalled the fact that in her professional life, she was a “star” (139), but questioning her abilities as a mother caused her to become furious. She reflected on the fact that she worked to raise her children and make enough money to survive on her own. She listed her responsibilities and some of the difficulties she faced, lamenting the fact that she had to raise the children on her own.

After her reflections, Faith asked Clifford to reaffirm what he had said about her parenting. Clifford ignored her and began to pack his belongings. With the sensation of air escaping from her “collapsing lungs” (140), Faith threw a glass ashtray at Clifford, striking his ear and causing it to bleed, and the sensation of her lungs collapsing ceased. Faith...