Chapter 26

One week after the dance, Fern finishes packing her Toronto apartment, determined to return to Brookbanks. She refuses to contact Will after his abrupt breakup from the hospital, despite aching to hear from him. A mover points out the framed portrait Will drew of her; Fern debates keeping it.

Annabel, Will’s sister, arrives unexpectedly. She confirms Sofia had meningitis, that Will rushed back and stayed at the children’s hospital, and that Whitney called to scold him. Annabel hints Will "screwed up" with Fern and came to defend him, despite Fern’s no-contact message.

Annabel reveals Will, not Margaret, originally offered to consult for Brookbanks, intended as a way to make amends. She shares that the morning after Will met Fern ten years ago, she told him she was pregnant, reshaping his choices. She describes their mother’s depressive absences, Will’s closeness to her, and his lifelong drive not to abandon people.

Annabel explains Will later suffered his own mental health struggle after Sofia’s birth, quit drawing, and pursued an MBA and stability, but was unhappy. This summer, he began sketching again and sounded alive, yet he blames himself for not being home when Sofia fell ill and believes he can’t have everything.

Annabel insists Will won’t contact Fern because Fern asked him not to. She gives Fern Will’s address, urging her to show up—if only to end things properly.