Contents
Chapter 32
Overview
In a flashback eleven months earlier, Charly visits Bridget, whose new-mother life dominates their "lunch." Watching Bridget with Chelsea awakens Charly’s own desire for a child. Bridget urges her to start trying, but Charly privately hesitates, still unsettled by Clark’s prior lie about his employment and her trust in him.
Summary
Eleven months before the present timeline, Charly visits her best friend Bridget for “lunch,” which turns into observing Bridget feed baby Chelsea pureed turkey. The messy apartment and Bridget’s frazzled state contrast with their pre-baby outings, underscoring how motherhood has reshaped Bridget’s life.
As Bridget struggles with Chelsea’s eating and overshares about the baby’s digestion, Charly deflects, suggesting they go out. Bridget declines, citing weight concerns and their tendency to overeat together. The conversation pivots to whether Charly and Clark will try for a baby.
Watching Bridget cuddle Chelsea triggers an unexpected ache in Charly; she realizes she does want a child. Bridget presses the urgency of their age, noting they are in their late thirties and sharing plans to try for a second baby soon.
Charly acknowledges the logic but privately hesitates. Clark’s earlier deception about his job has eroded her trust, making her uncertain about starting a family despite believing it is the expected next step after marriage.
Who Appears
- Dr. Charlotte “Charly” McKennaNarrator; realizes she wants a child but hesitates due to mistrust over Clark’s past employment lie.
- BridgetCharly’s best friend; overwhelmed new mother who urges Charly to start trying for a baby.
- ChelseaBridget’s infant daughter; feeding struggles and mess underscore Bridget’s new-mother reality.
- ClarkCharly’s husband; offstage presence whose prior job lie fuels Charly’s doubts about having a baby now.