Chapter 5 introduces Frank Szatowski, a man who has spent most of his life in the small town of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, with only a brief interruption for his service in the U.S. Army. Now, Frank is on his way to Boston to visit his daughter, Maggie, who lives in a luxurious high-rise apartment with her fiancé, Aidan Gardner, a young man who seems to come from a wealthy background. As Frank drives toward Boston, he reflects on the simplicity and charm of his hometown, known for its outdoor activities and seasonal festivals. The contrast between the quiet, rustic life he’s known and the grandeur of Boston, with its urban landscape, is striking. He is both excited and apprehensive about seeing Maggie in her new life, far removed from the familiar world he’s always known.

As he nears his destination, Frank stops at a Super 8 motel in Worcester, seeking an affordable place to rest for the night. He buys flowers and cookies for Maggie, a small but thoughtful gesture that reflects his desire to support her as she embarks on this new chapter of her life. Upon his arrival in Boston, Frank is greeted by a towering structure called Beacon Plaza, which surprises him with its corporate atmosphere rather than a residential one. He’s met by Olivia, a receptionist who impresses him by knowing his name—thanks to Maggie’s prior arrangements. This simple interaction reveals the extent of Maggie’s success in her new life, which is more polished and sophisticated than Frank had imagined.

When Frank finally enters the building, he’s whisked up in an elevator without buttons, further deepening his sense of disorientation. Upon arriving at Maggie’s apartment, Frank is taken aback by its opulence and the sweeping city views. Maggie, looking radiant and content, greets him warmly, having moved in with Aidan after their engagement. She is dressed stylishly, holding a glass of wine, embodying the life she’s now living. The sight of his daughter, so transformed in both appearance and lifestyle, overwhelms Frank with a flood of nostalgia. He is reminded of the simpler times they once shared, playing games together, and the bond that had once been so strong.

Maggie introduces Frank to Aidan’s artwork, a series of striking portraits that reflect Aidan’s artistic vision. Soon after, Aidan arrives, exuding charm despite the visible signs of a recent mugging. He speaks about the incident with an almost casual demeanor, recounting the harrowing experience without hesitation. The conversation shifts to Aidan’s career as an artist, with his paintings being inspired by the characters he encounters in Boston. As a private chef prepares dinner, Frank takes a moment to absorb the breathtaking view from the apartment, realizing the wealth Maggie has entered through her relationship with Aidan. He is both amazed and somewhat disconcerted by the life she has embraced, which feels so far removed from the one she left behind in Stroudsburg.

As the evening progresses, the discussion turns to the wedding, and Maggie reassures Frank that there are no lingering tensions from the past. She is focused on the future, eager to move forward with Aidan, and hopes to put any past misunderstandings behind them. Frank, however, struggles with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension, uncertain of the life his daughter has chosen but wanting to support her all the same. The chapter captures a beautiful moment of reunion between father and daughter, balancing humor with poignant reflections on family, change, and the complexities of life. This chapter lays the groundwork for the emotional journey that lies ahead, filled with questions about family dynamics and the future of Maggie and Aidan’s relationship.