Contents
Chapter 23
Overview
After a night with Floyd, Laurel leaves for a birthday lunch with friends, then rushes back to him, deepening their relationship. A misdelivered letter reveals Poppy’s mother is Noelle Donnelly, who also tutored Ellie. Hanna recalls Ellie found Noelle creepy, unsettling Laurel and sharpening the story’s central coincidence and suspicion.
Summary
Laurel wakes at Floyd’s and he jokingly laments her leaving, then confesses he’s close to not being able to live without her. Laurel, cautious with declarations, accepts his sentiment without reciprocating, reflecting downstairs on what “can’t live without” has meant since Ellie’s death.
Preparing to leave, Laurel collects her birthday gifts and notices a formal letter addressed to “Miss Noelle Donnelly.” She assumes Noelle is Poppy’s mother. After a warm lunch with Jackie and Bel, whose support underscores Laurel’s renewed energy and shifting priorities, she hurries back to Floyd.
Back at the house, the letter is marked “Return to Sender.” Laurel mentions the name, and Floyd confirms Noelle Donnelly is Poppy’s mum. As Laurel probes, Floyd explains Noelle was Irish and a local maths tutor; Laurel realizes Noelle briefly tutored Ellie shortly before Ellie disappeared, framing an unsettling coincidence.
On Monday, Laurel calls Hanna, who remembers Ellie describing the tutor as creepy and disliking her—contradicting Laurel’s recollection that Ellie admired Noelle. The mismatch deepens Laurel’s unease about Noelle’s connection to Floyd and Poppy and how such a woman fit into Floyd’s life.
Despite her misgivings, Laurel’s confidence grows: she arranges future plans with Floyd, and Hanna offers rare praise and approval, acknowledging Laurel’s bravery and change.
Who Appears
- Laurel MackProtagonist; strengthens bond with Floyd, discovers Poppy’s mum is Noelle, Ellie’s ex‑tutor, and grows uneasy about the coincidence.
- Floyd DunnLaurel’s boyfriend; confesses deep feelings and confirms Noelle Donnelly, Poppy’s mother, was an Irish maths tutor.
- Poppy DunnFloyd’s daughter; greets Laurel warmly; her mother’s identity as Noelle ties her to Ellie’s past.
- Noelle DonnellyAbsent but central; Irish maths tutor, Poppy’s mother, and former tutor to Ellie; remembered as unsettling.
- Hanna MackLaurel’s daughter; recalls Ellie found Noelle creepy; offers support and approval of Laurel’s relationship.
- JackieLaurel’s longtime friend; hosts birthday lunch, celebrates Laurel’s new happiness and plans to meet Floyd.
- BelJackie’s partner; co-hosts lunch, gifts Laurel, and supports meeting Floyd and Poppy.