Contents
Chapter 8
Overview
Nearly a week after moving out, Naomi refuses to respond to the divorce email or hire a lawyer, clinging to hope. At school pickup, her cover story frays when Teddy references separate homes. Teddy reveals Jeremy framed the separation as ongoing, but Naomi confirms no other woman and reaffirms her midlife-crisis narrative.
Summary
Almost a week after Jeremy demanded a divorce, Naomi keeps his lawyer’s email unanswered and avoids hiring her own, believing engagement would signal surrender. She tells herself space may resolve a midlife crisis and that divorce isn’t the answer.
At kindergarten pickup, Naomi maintains the renovation cover story with fellow moms Ashlyn and Cheryl, feeling both judged and unable to confide. She notices divorced Cora Janzen being socially avoided and vows not to share that fate.
When Teddy arrives, he loudly mentions going to “Daddy’s house,” exposing their separation. Naomi tries immediate damage control, hustling him to the car to avoid gossip.
In the car, Teddy repeats a classmate’s idea that separate homes mean getting a “horse,” then shares that Jeremy told him they will be living apart but still love him. Naomi probes for evidence of another woman at the house; Teddy mentions only Rosita, the elderly sitter.
Reassured there’s no affair, Naomi reframes the situation as Jeremy’s lingering midlife crisis and convinces herself he will come to his senses, continuing to delay any legal response.
Who Appears
- NaomiNarrator; avoids engaging with divorce, maintains renovation lie, manages school-yard perceptions, and clings to a midlife-crisis explanation.
- TeddyNaomi and Jeremy’s son; blurts out living-arrangement split, relays Jeremy’s message, confirms no other woman besides sitter Rosita.
- JeremyOff-page husband; his lawyer’s email remains unanswered; told Teddy they’ll live apart but both love him.
- AshlynSchool mom friend; chats about party etiquette, unknowingly hears hints of Naomi’s separation.
- CherylSchool mom friend; present during pickup, likely to spread observations about Naomi’s situation.
- Cora JanzenDivorced school mom; socially avoided, symbolizing Naomi’s fear of becoming an outsider.
- RositaElderly babysitter; only “other woman” Teddy notes at Jeremy’s house.
- ZackTeddy’s classmate; his comment about divorce and a “horse” fuels Teddy’s confusion.