Contents
Chapter 33
Overview
Eleven months before, Charlotte and an overstressed, heavy-drinking Clark clash over when to have a baby. Clark resists, then negotiates a one-year delay, framing it as time for his shaky practice to stabilize. The compromise cools the argument but exposes mounting strain and control issues in their marriage.
Summary
Eleven months earlier, Charlotte describes Clark’s mounting stress over his struggling new law practice. At home he paces, snaps at Charlotte, and their intimacy has dwindled. Seeking relief, they go to a high-end restaurant, where Clark quickly drinks several glasses of wine.
Over dinner, Charlotte raises the idea of starting a family, citing her age. Clark reacts sharply, questioning her priorities and finances, and declares that waiting until forty is reasonable. His jab that Charlotte “always has to have it your way” escalates the tension, and Charlotte considers leaving.
A refill and a pause lead Clark to soften his stance. He proposes a compromise: they will wait one year before trying for a baby, by which time he expects his practice to stabilize. Charlotte, both relieved and still apprehensive, agrees. They end with light banter about baby names, restoring the evening’s calm but leaving underlying strain and Clark’s drinking and control issues unresolved.
Who Appears
- Dr. Charlotte “Charly” McKennaNarrator; initiates the baby discussion, pushes due to age concerns, agrees to delay one year.
- ClarkStressed over new practice; drinks heavily, resists having a baby now, negotiates a one-year delay.