Contents
4:29 p.m. (EST)
Overview
Allie fails to reach Gwen and instead connects with Tana Nighswander while fighting airport traffic. The frank, grounding call steadies Allie as she confirms her life-or-death plan to board the JFK–London flight. Unable to safely convey details about Horation Matthews or BA 238, she presses on alone.
Tana mentions Arthur in London and notes Gwen’s Easter melancholy, underscoring the holiday’s ominous weight.
Summary
In heavy traffic en route to JFK, Allie tries Gwen’s home, then dials Tana Nighswander, knowing Gwen often watches Tana’s baby. Tana picks up, and their banter cuts through Allie’s panic. Allie admits she’s fleeing for urgent, life-or-death reasons but withholds specifics.
Triggered by Tana’s joking about Van McBride, Allie recalls Van’s hospital quip and reflects on her tendency to please, a trait that strained their relationship. The memory hardens her resolve as she weaves through lanes toward the airport exit.
Pressed for details, Allie reveals only that there’s a London flight in two hours and she must be on it. Tana notes Arthur is in London and sends affection. Allie cannot craft a safe warning about Horation Matthews or BA 238, so she asks Tana to wish Gwen a “Happy Easter” and promises to call from overseas.
Tana observes Gwen grows withdrawn every Easter, reinforcing the holiday’s dark associations. The call ends with Allie still driving toward JFK, determined to board the flight and face the consequences alone.
Who Appears
- Allie (Allison Shiner)Driving to JFK; tries to reach Gwen, speaks with Tana; recommits to boarding the London flight despite the danger.
- Tana NighswanderAnswers Allie’s call; offers blunt humor and concern; mentions Arthur in London and Gwen’s Easter melancholy.
- GwenUnreachable on ambulance shift; subject of Allie’s attempted warning and Tana’s observations about Easter mood.
- Van McBrideAllie’s ex; appears in Allie’s recollection, highlighting her people-pleasing and the rupture of their relationship.