Summary

In Part 2, “Be the Flame,” Chapter 8, Diane Blankenship went grocery shopping “after she was done at the gym” (57). She shopped late to avoid encountering GMHS students. Listening to the oldies at the store always “reminded her of the past” (58).

Ever since hearing about Jack’s retirement, Diane had been upset. She did not understand why he had not told her himself. They had had a prolonged affair. When his wife got sick, they broke it off. After shopping, she drove by his house to see his RV, having heard about his plans with Alice.

Diane had let herself believe she was “the love of [Jack’s] life” (60). After her divorce, Jack had been even “more attentive” (61). Their breakup had broken her heart.

Seeing the RV did not make Diane feel better. Outside the house, she “imagined Alice up in bed” (63). She had...