Contents
Chapter 17
Overview
One and a half years before the injury, Charlotte and Clark have been dating for four months, growing closer with regular sleepovers. Charlotte wrestles with body image and spends heavily to feel worthy. Clark declares his love; after voicing insecurity, Charlotte accepts his reassurance and reciprocates, deepening their relationship.
Summary
Set eighteen months before the present, Charlotte reflects on four months of dating Clark and admits the relationship has gone well. Even her cat Kitty has warmed to him, comically “spying” and sleeping on his face, signaling domestic familiarity and growing intimacy.
Charlotte describes regular sleepovers and her discomfort with her body, turning off lights during sex and wishing she were thinner. Feeling scrutinized in public next to handsome Clark, she spends heavily on clothes, hair, waxing, and heels to become the kind of woman she believes he would date, worrying that her old, unapologetic self is fading.
After an intimate moment, Clark whispers that he loves her. Startled, Charlotte blurts out “Why?” and confesses she doesn’t think she is pretty. Clark responds with reassurance, calling her pretty, smart, funny, and sweet, urging her to see herself as he does.
Choosing to stop second-guessing and enjoy the relationship despite fears it might collapse, Charlotte accepts Clark’s affection. When he repeats “I love you,” she answers, “I love you too,” marking a clear deepening of their bond.
Who Appears
- Dr. Charlotte McKennaNarrator; dates Clark for four months, struggles with body image, seeks validation, and ultimately says she loves him.
- ClarkCharlotte’s boyfriend; playful with Kitty, declares love, reassures Charlotte about her attractiveness and worth.
- KittyCharlotte’s cat; follows Clark, sleeps on his face, comic sign of domestic closeness.