Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Naomi comes home to a malfunctioning garage door and a newly changed front lock that rejects her key. Jeremy, home early, sends Teddy upstairs and tells Naomi they need to talk. These unsettling signs suggest a major shift in their marriage and set up an imminent, difficult conversation.
Summary
After picking up Teddy from karate, Naomi arrives home expecting the garage to open automatically, but the intelligent door remains shut. She tries the front door, only to find it locked and her key ineffective. The lock appears brand-new, confirming something has changed without her knowledge.
While keeping Teddy calm, Naomi struggles to access the house until Jeremy, unexpectedly home early, answers the door. Naomi asks whether he changed the lock, but Jeremy hesitates and avoids eye contact, a clear departure from his usual demeanor.
Jeremy sends Teddy upstairs to play quietly, isolating the adults. With Naomi anxious and seeking answers, Jeremy finally says, “We need to talk,” signaling a serious, impending conversation that threatens the stability of their marriage and home life.
Who Appears
- NaomiNarrator and mother; discovers the garage malfunction and new front-door lock; seeks answers from Jeremy.
- JeremyNaomi’s husband; home early, evasive about the changed lock; sends Teddy upstairs and initiates a serious talk.
- TeddyNaomi and Jeremy’s five-year-old son; curious and talkative; sent to his room before the adult conversation.