Chapter 8 begins with Phoebe being abruptly awakened at noon by a loud knock on her door. Lila, eager to show off a hat she’s considering for an upcoming sailing trip, walks into the room, sparking Phoebe’s reflection on Lila’s apparent lack of curiosity about others. Despite the gravity of her own feelings of despair, Phoebe finds it hard to comprehend how Lila could enter her space without asking how she’s truly doing, particularly when she’s struggling with thoughts of suicide. This moment highlights the emotional disconnection Phoebe feels, as she grapples with the insensitivity of others towards her internal turmoil.

As the conversation shifts, Lila reveals her own vulnerabilities, particularly her concerns about what others think of her. She explains how a mishap at the previous night’s reception left her feeling humiliated, exposing her insecurities despite her otherwise composed appearance. Phoebe, still grappling with the aftermath of a secret encounter from the night before, reflects on her own experiences of feeling small or misunderstood, similar to how she once felt when meeting her husband. The contrast in their emotional states prompts Phoebe to reflect on the complexities of their friendship and her own feelings of isolation.

The conversation continues as Lila opens up about her relationships with her friends, Nat and Suz, while also expressing her frustration with her mother’s unrealistic expectations. Lila reveals how her mother often shares distorted, exaggerated stories about her at public gatherings, which only deepens her sense of frustration. Phoebe, sensing an opportunity to provide insight, questions the concept of “wonderful” in Lila’s description of her relationship with Gary, challenging the authenticity of the connection. This leads to a deeper, more philosophical discussion about love, friendship, and the expectations placed on them by others. Through this conversation, Lila is forced to confront the realities of her relationship with Gary and the emotional complexities that come with it.

As the dialogue unfolds, Lila jokingly admits that she struggles with the concept of true emotional connection, yet still finds humor in the absurdities of life. This leads to a lighthearted exchange about their mutual experiences, though the conversation is abruptly interrupted when Lila announces that she needs to address an issue with her mother’s room. Before leaving, she casually suggests Phoebe try making her bed to improve her mood, a piece of advice Phoebe dismisses with humor, though tinged with bitterness. Lila’s unawareness of Phoebe’s deeper struggles highlights the ongoing disconnect in their friendship and serves as a reminder of the emotional walls Phoebe feels.

After Lila leaves, she acknowledges her need for coffee, ordering room service to make their day easier. With a cheeky reference to a dish called “Patriotic French Toast,” Lila lightens the mood, though Phoebe’s thoughts remain clouded. As Phoebe contemplates her internal struggles, including the dark thoughts that linger in her mind, she begins to reconsider her outlook. The prospect of sailing and the chance to try on new clothes that Lila has left behind sparks a small but noticeable sense of hope within Phoebe, offering a flicker of positivity in her otherwise despairing journey.

The chapter ends with Phoebe preparing for the day ahead, feeling a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, she feels a deep sense of disappointment in herself, but on the other hand, there’s a hint of excitement about the day’s potential. Reflecting on the unpredictability of life and the small moments that can shift her perspective, Phoebe begins to see how even the smallest changes, such as a day out on the water, can lift her from the depths of her despair, even if only for a short while. This subtle shift in her mindset marks the beginning of a possible change in Phoebe’s journey, a shift from deep sadness to a more hopeful outlook.