Jessie remembers how helpless her dad became when her mom received her stage 4 ovarian cancer diagnosis: he struggled to keep up with the day-to-day household details that his wife always managed, but he and Jessie “made do.” Even two years later, Jessie still cannot bring herself to “remember who [her mother] was in a way that doesn't make [her] keel over” (37). Her dad's elopement had come as a complete surprise because he used work trips to cover up his visits with Rachel. When he announced that they were moving to California, to escape “[their] rut” (39), Jessie hardly reacted to the news, feeling numb to the whole ordeal.

Their massive new home, despite being immaculate and beautiful, does not feel homey and makes Jessie feel like an unwelcome guest. Rachel, whom Jessie finds “exhausting to be around” (40), calls everyone to a family dinner for the first time since Bill and Jessie moved in. They announce Bill got a job as a pharmacist at the grocery store near their school, which embarrasses Theo. He storms away from the table, humiliating Bill, and Rachel does little to reprimand her son.

After dinner, Jessie sits outside on the porch, and Theo comes to join her.