Chapter 2 opens with the protagonist, filled with a sense of anticipation, finally finding a way to reconnect with his daughter, Maggie, after a prolonged period of silence. He eagerly dials her number, only to be met with repeated busy signals, which indicate that she is trying to call him back. This moment of hope and frustration fills the protagonist with anxiety as he waits in Maggie’s childhood bedroom, a place that holds countless memories of their time together as a family. The room is filled with nostalgic remnants—old posters, trophies, and other cherished items from Maggie’s younger years. Each artifact serves as a bittersweet reminder of their once-close relationship, which now seems distant and strained. As he waits for Maggie to return his call, the protagonist becomes engulfed in reflection, grappling with the changes in their connection and the emotional weight of the past. The silence in the room becomes almost unbearable as he longs to bridge the gap that has formed between them.

When Maggie finally calls back, her familiar voice brings a rush of emotions to the protagonist. Despite his initial relief, he quickly expresses concern for her well-being, wanting to ensure that everything is alright in her life. Maggie reassures him that she is fine and that she is now living in her apartment in Boston, but the conversation remains tense. There is an awkward silence between them, as both struggle to navigate the complexities of their relationship and the time that has passed. The protagonist, having thought long and hard about this conversation, feels the weight of unspoken words and the emotional distance between them. He hesitantly asks if Maggie has received the many cards he had sent her, a gesture of love and concern that had been his attempt to reach out. Maggie acknowledges the cards but quickly shifts the conversation, clearly reluctant to delve into the more personal aspects of their family issues. This deflection leaves the protagonist feeling unsure of how to proceed, unsure if their bond can ever return to what it once was.

In an attempt to steer the conversation in a positive direction, the protagonist congratulates Maggie on her three-year anniversary at Capaciti, the tech company where she has worked. He expresses his pride in her achievements, knowing that she played a key role in the company’s growth from a small start-up into a major player in the tech industry. He hopes this topic will allow for a lighter, more comfortable discussion, but the mood quickly shifts when Maggie announces that she is getting married. She casually shares details about her fiancé, Aidan, and their upcoming wedding, which will be hosted by Aidan’s family in New Hampshire. The suddenness of the announcement takes the protagonist by surprise, leaving him overwhelmed and struggling to process the news. Maggie’s engagement feels like a significant shift in her life, and the protagonist is left to reconcile the new reality of her future with the unresolved feelings he has about their strained relationship.

Despite the initial shock of the news, Maggie expresses a desire for her father to be present at her wedding, even with the emotional distance that has existed between them. This revelation marks a turning point in their communication, as it highlights both the separation and the potential for reconnection. Maggie’s willingness to invite her father to the wedding shows that, despite the years of tension, she is open to rebuilding their relationship. The protagonist, though still processing the news, recognizes that this moment represents an opportunity for healing and growth. It becomes clear that Maggie is ready to move forward with her new life, and her invitation is a step toward bridging the gap between them. As Maggie embarks on this new chapter with Aidan, the protagonist must confront his own emotions and decide how to navigate their evolving family dynamics. This moment sets the stage for an emotional journey of reconciliation and renewal as both father and daughter face the complexities of their relationship.