Chapter 18 Summary

Ron and Claire are fighting again in their room. It is rare to hear Ron raise his voice. He accuses Claire of having no life, dropping all of her friends and not understanding what it's like to work all day and come home exhausted. Astrid hates him for upsetting her only to leave again.

Ingrid has written a letter to Claire. She is inviting Claire and Astrid to come and visit. Astrid feels betrayed, helpless and anxious that the two have been corresponding. They visit her in February. Astrid hasn't seen her mother since Starr. Ingrid's hair is long again. She is startling in her beauty. With all excess fat melted away, muscles, and a tan, she looks less like a Lorelei than an assassin from Blade Runner. Astrid is astonished to find that they are the same height now. Their hands are...