Contents
Part Two — Chapter Ten
Overview
Theo returns home intending to confront Kathy about her affair but freezes. Instead, Kathy discovers his marijuana and chastises him, deepening his shame and rage. After a sleepless, grief-stricken night, Theo decides to remain with Kathy and bury the truth, convincing himself he can change and must not jeopardize his work.
Summary
Theo comes home determined to confront Kathy about her affair. Before he can speak, Kathy challenges him, producing his jar of marijuana. Theo, ashamed and angry, deflects. The confrontation fizzles, and he suggests going to bed rather than addressing the affair.
In bed, Theo lies awake beside Kathy, grieving the loss of intimacy and lamenting her silence. Overwhelmed by conflicting urges—violence, reconciliation, and despair—he weeps quietly through the night as the distance between them feels irrevocable.
The next morning, their routine continues. Kathy mentions Theo’s sleep-talking and blames it on him being stoned before rushing out. Theo, devastated by his reflection and emotional state, showers and cries, then makes a decisive choice about their future.
Rejecting Ruth’s advice to leave, Theo concludes that separating from Kathy would be unbearable. He resolves to say nothing about the affair, to forget the emails, and to preserve their relationship. He justifies this denial by invoking his duty to his patients and his belief that he can change and rebuild what they had.
Who Appears
- Theo FaberPsychotherapist who fails to confront Kathy, breaks down emotionally, and decides to stay silent and preserve the relationship.
- KathyTheo’s wife; avoids discussing her affair, discovers his marijuana, chastises him, and maintains routine distance.