Contents
Chapter 35
Overview
Laurel brings a shaken Poppy home from Noelle’s house, suppressing her suspicions to protect her relationship with Floyd. She redirects conversation to Floyd’s past and stifles her unease with jealousy. The next day, Laurel leaves and unexpectedly sees Theo with a smiling Hanna, revealing their connection and unsettling family dynamics.
Summary
Laurel takes Poppy home after visiting Noelle’s house. Poppy is unusually quiet and admits she feels strange, overwhelmed by sudden memories of her mother and newly discovered cousins. Laurel resolves to stay rational about the ominous basement and resist leaping to conclusions, despite her rising dread.
Back at Floyd’s, Poppy retreats to her room. Laurel, unsettled, avoids asking Floyd probing questions that might upend their relationship. Instead, she invites intimacy by asking about his first marriage; as Floyd reminisces, Laurel is distracted by jealousy, which briefly blunts her unease and keeps her from confronting him.
The next morning, despite Floyd’s attempts to coax her to stay, Laurel leaves, needing space to think. On the way to her car, she recognizes Theo Goodman outside a Tesco. She chooses not to speak, but then notices a smiling blonde woman join him with groceries and a small dog.
Only after they walk away does Laurel register that the woman is Hanna—her daughter—smiling in a way Laurel hasn’t seen for a long time. The sight reveals an unexpected relationship between Hanna and Theo, jolting Laurel and adding a new, personal complication to the unfolding mysteries.
Who Appears
- LaurelComforts Poppy, suppresses suspicions about Noelle and Floyd, redirects to Floyd’s past, then discovers Hanna with Theo.
- PoppyUnusually quiet and unsettled after visiting Noelle’s house; recalls her mother and newfound cousins.
- FloydHosts Laurel and Poppy; shares story of his first marriage as Laurel avoids difficult questions.
- Theo GoodmanSeen outside Tesco with a small dog; revealed to be with Hanna, surprising Laurel.
- HannaUnexpectedly appears with Theo, smiling—signaling a hidden relationship and startling Laurel.