Contents
Chapter 35
Overview
Police arrive at Teddy’s birthday party after Jeremy calls them. When Naomi resists being escorted out, the officer escalates, handcuffing and publicly removing her. The humiliating scene distresses Teddy and strengthens Jeremy’s narrative against Naomi, raising legal and custody stakes.
Summary
Police arrive at Teddy’s birthday party minutes after Jeremy’s call. Jeremy tells the officer that his ex-wife is refusing to leave, while Naomi insists she is still his wife and that Teddy wanted her there. Observing Teddy’s distress, Naomi considers leaving but remains as the officer orders her to go.
The officer takes Naomi by the arm to escort her out. Naomi yanks her arm away, unintentionally throwing the officer off-balance. The officer radios that she is being combative, then seizes her more roughly, pushing her onto a table and scattering food and drinks.
With Naomi pinned and soaked by spilled juice, the officer wrenches her arms behind her and handcuffs her. He hauls her upright as the gathered guests stare and Teddy sobs against Jeremy’s leg.
The officer marches Naomi out of the backyard in handcuffs, publicly humiliating her and ending her presence at her son’s party without a chance to say goodbye or share in the celebration.
Who Appears
- NaomiMother and narrator; resists being escorted out, is labeled combative, handcuffed, and removed from the party.
- JeremyCalls the police on Naomi and frames her as refusing to leave, influencing the officer’s response.
- TeddyBirthday boy; distressed and sobbing as his mother is handcuffed and taken away.
- Police officerResponds to the call; orders Naomi to leave, escalates after she pulls away, and handcuffs her.