Chapter 12 begins with Phoebe waking up with an overwhelming urge to connect with the ocean, prompting her to head for a walk along the Cliff Walk. As she prepares, she spots Lila and Gary posing for photographs in the conservatory, dressed formally for the occasion, which seems unusual given the early hour. Although she briefly admires Lila’s beauty, her mind quickly drifts to Lila’s harsh judgments about fashion, reminding her of the superficial nature of their relationship. The tension in the air is palpable for a moment, but Phoebe chooses to leave, stepping out to the coast where she can enjoy some solitude and collect her thoughts.

During her walk, Phoebe encounters a cheerful yellow dog, and, feeling playful, she engages in a lighthearted race with the animal. She reflects on how much she longs for a pet, imagining the joy and freedom it could bring to her mornings. The dog leads her to a more dangerous area near the cliffs, where signs warn of the risks, and here, she meets a fisherman who offers a friendly greeting. As they chat, Phoebe contemplates her relationship with her father, recalling how he viewed loneliness with a sense of optimism, as if it was something to be embraced rather than avoided.

Sitting on the rocks, Phoebe experiences a deep sense of gratitude as she takes in the vast, raw ocean before her, feeling both small and infinite in its presence. This peaceful moment is abruptly interrupted by a text message from her husband, Matt, which brings forth a wave of frustration and resentment. She decides not to respond, feeling that he should understand the pain she’s going through and share in the emotional turmoil she feels. As she begins to reflect more deeply on her life and the choices she has made, the fisherman, who is busy reeling in a fish, invites her to join him. Phoebe helps him reel in a sea robin, but the realization that the catch has little value leaves her feeling disillusioned, mirroring her own perceptions of worthlessness in her current state.

After returning to solid ground, Phoebe reflects on her resilience, acknowledging how she has survived the emotional turbulence that has marked much of her life. Her thoughts shift to Edith Wharton and the nearby house that carries no nostalgia for her, representing instead a space of loss and artistic beginnings during Wharton’s less understood years. This house, like much of her surroundings, holds little personal meaning for Phoebe, but serves as a reminder of both what has been lost and what can emerge from periods of uncertainty and change. As Phoebe heads back from the coast, she encounters Gary, whose lighthearted nature brings a much-needed contrast to her heavy thoughts. Their exchange is filled with banter about loss and relationships, prompting Phoebe to confront the changes in her life and the identity she is forming in the face of them.

The chapter concludes with Phoebe heading back to the festivities, the anticipation of her role as maid of honor settling into her consciousness. Despite the complex emotions she’s been grappling with, she feels a renewed sense of purpose and a glimmer of humor in the midst of the bridal chaos. Her reflections on the morning, from her quiet time by the ocean to her interaction with Gary, allow her to embrace her responsibilities with a clearer mind, ready to face whatever challenges the day may bring. As she steps forward into this new role, she is reminded of the importance of balance between duty, personal growth, and the inevitable joys and struggles that accompany significant life events.