Chapter 2

In Chapter 2, Phoebe and her husband, Matt, navigate the aftermath of a failed pregnancy. They search online for a vacation destination to escape their recent heartbreak, driven by a longing for indulgence and fun after the disappointment of their fertility struggles. Phoebe finds a Victorian hotel, the Cornwall Inn, which offers enticing activities like hot tubs, yoga, and paddleboarding. Despite her meticulous planning, Matt’s reaction to her detailed spreadsheet—one she created to organize the fun they hope to have—reflects his growing impatience with her need to quantify every aspect of their lives, particularly their attempts to conceive.

While contemplating their vacation, Phoebe reflects on her academic pursuit, her analytical nature, and her complex feelings towards her husband’s successes, which starkly contrast against her stagnant career as an adjunct professor. The narrative reveals underlying tensions in their marriage as they face societal expectations of childbearing and professional accomplishments. Matt wins an award at work, which heightens Phoebe’s feelings of inadequacy. Her friends and colleagues celebrate him, yet she struggles to feel joy amidst her own professional stagnation.

The couple’s dynamics become strained as Phoebe grapples with her identity outside motherhood and begins to question what being “normal” means in their lives. Meanwhile, hints of infidelity emerge as Phoebe’s insecurities intensify. Their interactions are laced with a blend of humor and sadness, showcasing their attempts to reconnect while being burdened by both personal and societal expectations. Ultimately, Chapter 2 depicts a couple in crisis, vacillating between hope and despair, as they confront the realities of their choices and ambitions against the backdrop of their tumultuous relationship.