Chapter 10 opens with the characters aboard a small sailboat, a setting that quickly becomes a canvas for playful exchanges and subtle tension. As they sail, the captain warns them not to lean too far back to prevent tipping the boat, sparking a wave of light-hearted banter among the group. Marla, ever the critic, jokingly challenges the captain’s instruction, making the moment feel more like an inside joke than a genuine concern. Meanwhile, Lila remains composed, chatting comfortably and requesting a drink called “Vacations in a Cup,” which sparks a humorous debate among the group about how to properly pluralize the drink’s name. This seemingly trivial argument becomes a symbol of the playful dynamics at play within the group, particularly highlighting Marla’s legal background. Her instinct to argue over technicalities contrasts sharply with the others’ more relaxed attitude, leading to laughs and shared memories, including a funny story about their college days spent stealing wine from a church. It’s clear from these interactions that the group, despite their differing personalities, shares a bond rooted in familiarity and a sense of humor.

As the conversation flows, however, a sudden shift occurs when an awkward silence settles in. Marla’s inability to read the room becomes evident, her playful nature stalling in the presence of unspoken tension. Gary, Lila’s fiancé, tries to break the silence and smooth over the discomfort, but his efforts only highlight the complexities within his relationship with Lila. Their bond, while outwardly harmonious, is tainted by Gary’s emotional baggage from past struggles, creating an underlying tension that Phoebe begins to notice more acutely. Her husband’s strained connection with Lila contrasts with the jovial nature of the rest of the group, raising questions about the authenticity of their love and the emotional distance between them. This disconnect is further emphasized as the group’s light-hearted banter, which serves as a mask for deeper issues, continues. Marla’s need for constant validation and approval from others adds to the discomfort, as it becomes apparent that while the group is trying to maintain a cheerful atmosphere, there are cracks forming in their relationships, most notably between Lila and Gary.

Phoebe, now the center of attention, is asked to weigh in on the grammatical debate regarding the pluralization of the drink. As an English professor, she offers a solution that brings a much-needed sense of clarity and comedic relief, capturing the group’s attention momentarily. This moment of focus on Phoebe lightens the atmosphere, allowing everyone to momentarily shift their attention from the underlying discomfort to the humor of the situation. The group shares a few drinks in a much-needed break from the tension, yet the mood remains undercut by the looming reality of Marla’s personal distractions. As Marla frets over an expired car registration, the shift in focus pulls the group’s energy away from the momentary joy and back toward the unresolved issues that seem to plague each of them. Marla’s anxiety over minor inconveniences serves as a metaphor for the larger emotional struggles she faces, particularly her need for control in an otherwise chaotic life.

Phoebe, though momentarily distracted by the group’s dynamics, finds herself in the midst of her own internal turmoil. Still reeling from the loss of her dog, Harry, Phoebe grapples with feelings of disconnection. She begins to reflect on her personal sense of identity, realizing that her grief is not only linked to the loss of her dog but also to her ongoing struggles with her place in the world. The chapter touches on the disparity between Phoebe’s emotional journey and Marla’s desperate need for order, highlighting how each character’s internal battles manifest in different ways. As Phoebe attempts to reconnect with her own sense of joy and purpose, she reflects on the idea that true emotional healing often comes from embracing one’s struggles, not avoiding them. This realization brings a sense of clarity to Phoebe’s perspective, though it’s clear that her journey is far from over. The emotional climax of the chapter comes when Juice, Gary’s daughter, performs a makeshift funeral for her virtual dog named Human Princess, which leads Phoebe to confront her own grief. The simple act of honoring the loss of something, even if it’s just a virtual dog, resonates deeply with Phoebe, reminding her that grief, while personal, is something that can be shared. It is this connection to others—whether through humor or through shared loss—that offers the promise of emotional resolution in a world filled with uncertainty. The chapter concludes with Phoebe contemplating the delicate balance between joy and sorrow, recognizing that while these emotions coexist, they also shape the paths we take toward healing and understanding.