Contents
Chapter 35
Overview
Jamie, still rattled by Karen’s threat, insists on progressing to a cane to hasten discharge for the looming custody battle. During group banter, he reveals Karen’s addiction history, the dangerous incident that won him custody, and her current claim of sobriety seeking joint custody. Charly backs Jamie emotionally as his rehab gains wobble, underscoring the rising legal and parental stakes.
Summary
The morning after Karen’s confrontation, Jamie is uncharacteristically quiet during the walking group. When his turn comes, Jamie asks Natalie to try walking with a cane instead of a walker, driven by urgency to leave rehab. Despite poor balance, he manages a careful lap with Natalie’s close support and feels a brief surge of pride.
Prompted by Angela, Jamie explains his haste: Karen threatened legal action to gain custody of Sam. The conversation turns candid and teasing, but Jamie clarifies that he and Karen were never a couple; their hookups led to Sam’s birth, which he learned about via a paternity suit. The revelation cost him a prior relationship, yet he insisted on being in Sam’s life.
Jamie recounts finding toddler Sam near uncapped needles while Karen was unconscious, leading him to call police. After Karen’s inpatient rehab, Jamie obtained full custody and has kept it for five years. Though Karen now presents proof of sobriety and seeks joint custody, Jamie fears relapse risks. Angela challenges his bias, while Charly offers supportive jabs at Karen, easing Jamie’s mood.
Buoyed briefly, Jamie attempts another walk and nearly falls, highlighting the gap between his determination to protect Sam and his current physical limits, and sharpening the urgency of his recovery amid the impending custody fight.
Who Appears
- Jamie KnoxDetermined to accelerate rehab, reveals Karen’s addiction past, custody history, and fears of her renewed legal push.
- Dr. Charlotte “Charly” McKennaNarrator; observes Jamie’s mood, supports him emotionally with humor during the custody and rehab stress.
- AngelaGroup mate; teases but probes, challenging Jamie’s assumptions about Karen’s sobriety and custody.
- NatalieTherapist supervising walking; allows Jamie to try a cane and steadies his unsteady attempts.
- KarenOffstage; Jamie’s son’s mother, former addict, now claiming sobriety and threatening a custody suit.
- SamJamie’s young son; previously endangered in Karen’s care, central to the custody conflict.