Chapter 10 explores the emotional aftermath of Norma’s separation from her husband, Mark. As she walks through their once-shared home, the empty walls echo with memories of a life that has now been overshadowed by both personal loss and the impending divorce. Mark, having returned to Boston, is left confused and frustrated by Norma’s decision to end their relationship. Their final conversations highlight the growing emotional distance between them, with each word increasing the chasm between them. Eventually, Mark gathers his belongings and leaves, and Norma is forced to confront the remnants of their life together. Among the possessions left behind is their wedding memorabilia, items she finds difficult to part with, yet holding on to them only deepens her sense of sorrow.

In the midst of packing for this new chapter, Norma is surprised by a visit from Aunt June and Alice, who come to offer their support. Caught off guard by their presence, she reveals the truth about her separation, though she is afraid of their reaction, as they had always believed her marriage to be one of happiness. Aunt June, uncomfortable with the truth, quickly proposes a fabricated explanation for the split, highlighting the discomfort that surrounds the genuine reasons behind it. This interaction emphasizes the divide between outward appearances and inner struggles, and Norma’s reluctance to share the real reasons behind her failed marriage. She begins to realize that confronting the truth, even with family, may be the first step toward healing.

The narrative delves into the complex emotions of grief and moving forward, offering a poignant contrast between Norma’s sorrow over losing Mark and the much deeper pain she feels over the loss of her child, Sarah. Though the end of her marriage is painful, it is Sarah’s death that truly weighs on her heart, an ache that is far more profound and all-consuming. As the three women sit together, discussing personal strength and vulnerability, Alice encourages Norma to embrace her resilience, urging her not to let her mother’s past pain dictate her own future. This moment of shared wisdom becomes a pivotal part of Norma’s emotional journey, as she is reminded that her own strength is what will ultimately guide her through this difficult time.

The chapter also highlights moments of simple joy amidst the underlying grief, particularly when Aunt June and Alice share a meal and laughter with Norma. These fleeting moments of happiness provide a contrast to the heavy emotions that dominate Norma’s life, offering a brief respite from the sorrow that envelops her. As Norma prepares for a family weekend at a cabin by the lake, she plans to finally reveal the truth about her divorce to her parents. The moment of revelation, however, shifts the family dynamic, as the reactions of her parents expose unresolved tensions related to her past. Their responses reveal deep emotional undercurrents, including their grief over the loss of Sarah and their complicated feelings toward Norma’s decision to divorce Mark. This unexpected reaction complicates Norma’s already fragile emotional state, as it becomes clear that her parents’ unresolved emotions continue to impact her own journey toward healing.

As the chapter progresses, Norma is forced to navigate the weight of familial expectations, particularly her mother’s ongoing sorrow over her father’s death, while also coming to terms with her own grief. She reflects on the complex web of emotions that bind her to her family, realizing that the secrets they have kept over the years have shaped her own sense of identity. The narrative culminates in a contemplation of the burdens that silence and secrecy can place on relationships, particularly those within families. As Norma reflects on the intertwined nature of love, loss, and memory, she begins to understand that the legacy of the past, including the emotional scars left by her own family, will continue to shape her future. The chapter leaves the reader with a deep sense of the complexities of family dynamics and the silent burdens that are often carried from generation to generation, making it clear that the path toward healing requires confronting both personal and familial truths.