Contents
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Overview
Stuart, chafing at life in Thornwood, tells Jessamine he is returning to his squat. Jessamine quickly relapses, is arrested for drunken disorderliness, and blames Stuart. After tending her for days, Stuart tries to leave, but Annie warns Jessamine always gets what she wants. Jessamine threatens self-harm, compelling Stuart to promise to stay, deepening his entanglement.
Summary
In a flashback nine years earlier, Stuart has spent January improving Thornwood, keeping Jessamine sober for ten days, and managing household tasks. He learns his squat room is free and, despite dreading Jessamine’s reaction, tells her he plans to move back. Jessamine insists his life is now at Thornwood and says the family needs “a man around,” but Stuart sets a boundary: he will help, just not live in.
Stuart leaves on Saturday. By Monday, Annie calls to say Jessamine has been arrested for drunk and disorderly conduct. At the station, Jessamine is intoxicated and furious, blaming Stuart’s departure for her collapse. Stuart takes her home and spends days caring for her, resuming chores and school runs for Daisy.
When Stuart tries to leave again midweek, Annie warns that Jessamine, spoiled by her late father Allen, expects to get what she wants and that the family never recovered from his death. Stuart maintains Jessamine must prove she can cope and be sober without him.
Stuart goes to say goodbye and finds Jessamine pressing a knife to her wrist. As she bleeds, Jessamine pleads that everyone leaves her. Panicked, Stuart promises to stay if she drops the knife. She lets it fall and collapses into his arms, and Stuart realizes he is now trapped by her need and his promise.
Who Appears
- StuartNarrator; tries to move back to his squat, retrieves Jessamine after arrest, then promises to stay when she threatens self-harm.
- JessamineResists Stuart leaving, relapses and is arrested, then uses a suicide threat to force his return.
- AnnieCalls Stuart to collect Jessamine; warns he’s what Jessamine wants; reveals Allen’s death and family dependence.
- DaisyDaughter whom Stuart helps by doing school runs during Jessamine’s hangover.