Chapter 7

Summary

• Hangovers are more severe in the forties and Sam is struggling with one, feeling as though her nervous system is scolding her.
• Her daughter Cat is energetic and asks to borrow Sam's earrings, planning to attend a fur-farm protest after work.
• Sam is feeling the repercussions of her age, with a rush of sensations and memories, including one of a man named Joel.
• Her husband Phil is deep in sleep and seems troubled, dealing with the loss of his job and father.
• Sam feels overwhelmed with responsibilities and laments how changed Phil has become since their happier times.
• The disheartening state of the frontage of Sam's house contrasts with her friend Andrea’s well-maintained cottage.
• Andrea, battling illness, and Sam have a heart-to-heart. Sam confides her workplace woes and they discuss Andrea's health.
• Andrea's support is constant; they share everything despite her current fragility and the loss of Andrea’s job.
• Andrea encourages Sam to check a memory stick given to her by a stranger, and they're shocked by its illicit contents.
• Elsewhere, a man named Ari Peretz tracks a phone's location and is concerned when he finds it without locating its owner.