Contents
Chapter 29
Overview
Noelle describes meeting Floyd’s daughter, Sara-Jade, whose fear and volatility deepen Noelle’s insecurity and resentment. Noelle and Floyd bond over their frustration with the child, alienating Sara-Jade and strengthening their affair. The chapter ends with Noelle asserting Floyd proposed they have a child, signaling a pivotal shift.
Summary
Noelle recalls first meeting Sara-Jade after a year with Floyd, when his ex increasingly left the child at his home. Sara-Jade recoils from Noelle’s offered handshake, fleeing in tears. The rejection triggers Noelle’s self-loathing, making her resent the child and herself.
As Sara-Jade’s visits increase, Noelle notes extreme behavior: violent tantrums, threats, destruction, and regressive fears at bedtime. Noelle and Floyd discuss solutions late at night, while Noelle offers little practical help and Kate dismisses therapy, attributing the behavior to routine issues.
Noelle admits she failed to be kind, instead demonizing Sara-Jade alongside Floyd. Their shared frustration becomes a bond; as Floyd turns against his daughter, he turns more toward Noelle, cementing their relationship dynamic.
The chapter culminates with Noelle challenging Floyd to deny it was his idea: after sex, he took her hands and suggested that if they had a child together, “maybe it would like me,” reframing their affair around the prospect of a baby.
Who Appears
- Noelle DonnellyNarrator; resents Sara-Jade, fuels Floyd’s alienation from his daughter, and claims Floyd suggested they have a child.
- Floyd DunnNoelle’s lover; struggles with his daughter’s behavior and, per Noelle, proposes having a child with Noelle.
- Sara-JadeFloyd’s fragile, volatile daughter; rejects Noelle and exhibits severe tantrums and regressive fears.
- KateFloyd’s ex-wife; frequently offloads Sara-Jade and dismisses therapy, minimizing the child’s problems.