15. February 8, 2021

Summary

• It's February 8, 2021, and warm weather breaks the cold spell of January; Roddy Harris decides to wash their Subaru to remove salt that could cause damage.
• Em, presumably Roddy's wife, suggests he go to a car wash, but Roddy prefers doing it himself despite Em's concern about his arthritis.
• Roddy has a habit of accidentally opening both garage doors with a poorly designed remote, which he rationalizes as not being forgetfulness.
• As Roddy prepares to wash the car, a young woman named Barbara Robinson approaches, wearing a red coat and matching accessories, holding a file folder.
• Barbara seeks Em to inquire about something, which Roddy suspects is related to a Writer’s Workshop.
• Roddy thinks Barbara is likely too young for the Writer’s Workshop and is also aware that the workshop may not happen due to other writers declining to participate, citing the challenge of remote learning.
• Roddy directs Barbara to speak with Em about her query and muses if Barbara noticed the van in the garage, worrying about his need for caution.
• Roddy's mood is darkened by the encounter with Barbara, despite initially looking forward to washing the car.
• Em greets Barbara at the door, looking youthful in her green silk dress, and learns Barbara wants to talk about writing.
• Em tells Barbara the Writer’s Workshop is not accepting new applications and is uncertain due to the pandemic.
• Barbara clarifies her issue is not about the workshop, prompting Em to invite her inside for a conversation.
• The chapter ends with Roddy washing the car as Em and Barbara go into the house to discuss Barbara's writing-related concerns.