Contents
Valentine’s Day
Overview
On Valentine’s Day, Justin gives Olivia a gift and meets her family over dinner, masking his tics while a waiter reacts to August. Back at their home, Justin sees the Pullmans’ affectionate dynamic and hears Daisy’s rescue story. The family’s warmth reassures Justin and calms his stress-induced tics, strengthening his connection to Olivia.
Summary
On Valentine’s Day, Justin gives Olivia a heart necklace and receives a messenger bag she crafted from floppy disks. They plan for Justin to meet her family at a Mexican restaurant, which makes Justin nervous and triggers his mild tics.
At the restaurant, Olivia’s parents greet Justin warmly. Justin notices the waiter’s reaction to August’s face but pretends not to. Everyone similarly ignores Justin’s tics and August’s messy chip-crushing as they settle into a friendly conversation about Justin’s music and interests, making him feel seen and supported.
After dinner, they return to Olivia’s home, where the family dog, Daisy, has thrown up. As Olivia’s mom cleans, Olivia’s dad recounts how he rescued Daisy from a homeless man years ago, a well-loved family story that shows their kindness and humor.
Justin reflects on the stark contrast between Olivia’s affectionate, attentive family and his own divided, neglectful upbringing. Feeling accepted and calmer in the Pullman home, Justin’s tics subside by the time he leaves.
Who Appears
- JustinNarrator; nervous to meet Olivia’s family, manages tics, feels embraced by their warmth, and grows closer to Olivia.
- Olivia (Via)Justin’s girlfriend; exchanges gifts, orchestrates the family dinner, and perceptively supports Justin throughout.
- August (Auggie)Olivia’s brother; joins the dinner, draws the waiter’s stare, and casually eats chips, which everyone tactfully overlooks.
- Olivia’s dadWelcoming host; engages Justin about music and recounts rescuing Daisy, modeling the family’s warmth.
- Olivia’s momKind and attentive; greets Justin, cleans up after Daisy, and adds humor to the rescue story.
- DaisyAging family dog; throws up, then basks in affection as her rescue story is retold.
- WaiterBriefly betrays surprise at August’s appearance, a moment the family and Justin choose to ignore.