Chapter 5

Summary

• The protagonist leaves school early to confront something that's been bothering her and to see her friend, Emmy, before she leaves for work.
• The protagonist and Emmy live in a ranch on the outskirts of town, which they’d both fallen in love with due to its tranquil appeal.
• The house is near a lake, surrounded by nature, and just a few blocks away from shops, cafés, gas stations, and the business district.
• The house retains signs of previous inhabitants, which gives it more character compared to other accommodations they’ve experienced.
• The protagonist notes Emmy's absence, highlighting how they usually cross paths during mornings or evenings due to work schedules.
• She briefly mentions Emmy's friend Jim, who would pick her up occasionally, and how she had only seen him a few times, but felt she couldn’t quite grasp his character.
• She speculates that Emmy might be at Jim’s place, but the mention of a character named Davis Cobb – reported for assault and suspected of stalking – reveals an undercurrent of worry.
• Unable to find Emmy, the protagonist confesses she doesn't actually know where her friend works. She acknowledges that they lead separate lives and routines, and her attempts to respect Emmy's independence has left her feeling disconnected.
• After searching the house and finding no clues as to Emmy’s whereabouts, the protagonist decides to stay in her friend's bed, imagining her beside her as she falls asleep, in hopes Emmy will return home and find her there.