Contents
Chapter 38
Overview
Naomi spends a sleepless night, then remembers Jeremy’s imminent Boston trip and fears Veronica may watch Teddy while Naomi is barred by a protection order. She calls her mother, who pointedly urges her to “get rid of” Veronica. Naomi ends the chapter resolved to protect Teddy at any cost.
Summary
After a restless night, Naomi drifts into Teddy’s room, grieving over his toys before falling asleep in his bed. Near midday, she wakes hungry and remembers her car is still at Jeremy’s house. A phone reminder reveals Jeremy’s business trip to Boston is that afternoon.
Realizing she is barred from contact by the protection order, Naomi panics about who will watch Teddy. She imagines possibilities but fixates on the fear that Veronica will be alone with Teddy, recalling troubling allegations from Veronica’s past and interpreting this as a dangerous opportunity.
Naomi’s mother calls. Unlike Ezra, the mother believes Naomi’s warnings about Veronica and bluntly says the solution is to “get rid of” the other woman. The comment chills Naomi, but it underscores her desperation and isolation.
As her mother coughs and refuses to directly intervene, Naomi reflects on past help and current limits. Feeling dismissed by Jeremy and constrained by the order, Naomi resolves that, whatever it takes, she will protect Teddy from Veronica.
Who Appears
- NaomiSleepless and distraught; learns of Jeremy’s Boston trip, fears Veronica watching Teddy, calls her mother, resolves to protect her son.
- Naomi’s motherCritical but pragmatic; believes Naomi’s concerns and urges her to “get rid of” Veronica, prompting Naomi’s grim resolve.
- VeronicaJeremy’s new girlfriend; off-page presence feared by Naomi as a danger to Teddy, possibly watching him during the trip.
- JeremyPreparing for a Boston business trip; his absence may leave Teddy with Veronica while Naomi is barred by court order.
- TeddyNaomi’s son; absent but central to Naomi’s fears and determination to keep him safe.
- EzraNaomi’s lawyer; previously skeptical of Veronica fears, mentioned as contrast to mother’s reaction.