Chapter 13

In Chapter 13, Phoebe drives Juice, her husband’s child from his affair, taking a moment to reflect on her relationships and the complexities of motherhood. As Phoebe navigates through the drive, she relaxes into the speed while contemplating her own less-than-maternal demeanor—something often highlighted by others. Her upbringing, marked by a father who wasn’t affectionate, built her resistance to the overtly emotional displays typical of many mothers. Despite this, she appreciates children but prefers a less emphatic approach, contrasting sharply with her husband’s exuberance around kids.

The narrative flashes back to a Thanksgiving gathering where Phoebe feels increasingly marginalized amidst conversations about parenting between her husband and Mia, Juice’s mother. As they joke and bond over parenting experiences, Phoebe feels out of place, distanced not just from them, but from her husband who seems to revel in their shared joy. The pressing realization begins to dawn on her: she fears losing the connection with her husband, indicative of a deeper rift initiating with the start of his affair.

Moving to more recent experiences, Phoebe and Juice engage in wit while shopping. Juice vocalizes disdain for a figure named Lila, her father’s new partner, while Phoebe seizes the opportunity to foster a sense of independence and self-identity within Juice. They navigate topics of style and self-perception while delving into the expectations set by others and societal norms, albeit in a friendly and humorous exchange. This interaction highlights generational differences and distinct perspectives on personal development.

As they continue their day of retail therapy, Phoebe savors a liberating feeling stemming from her decision to embrace her own choices without the burden of maternal expectations. She purchases clothes and accessories that reinforce her evolving self-image, gaining a sense of empowerment despite the shadows of her past relationship. Ultimately, she shares heartwarming moments with Juice as they talk about love, loss, and identity, culminating the chapter with a newfound sense of companionship and authenticity.

Phoebe’s emotional complexities lay bare the struggles of navigating familial connections while confronting her identity in a world where expectations and realities often collide.