The Perfect Life
Summary
- Ash brings Nora coffee and checks if she slept in the living room because she had to calm their daughter, Molly, in the night. He apologizes for possibly causing Molly's distress by showing her bear videos.
- Ash tells Nora he has already walked their dog, Plato. He doesn't have to be at the hospital until later. He asks if Nora still plans to go to the library, but she decides on staying home.
- Nora offers to take Molly to school but Ash insists on doing it. He plans to run after taking Molly to school to prepare for the half-marathon on Sunday.
- Ash shares the news of his sister being asked to illustrate the calendar for Kew Gardens. Nora thanks him for being understanding and supportive through her difficulties.
- Nora starts her day by going through emails and social media. She realizes she's on a sabbatical from teaching to write a book about Henry David Thoreau and his relevance to modern-day environmentalism movement. She plans to visit Walden Pond, funded by a research grant.
- She explores her house, and is pleased with the comfortable and luxurious features. The house is filled with high-end electronics, expensive furniture, and a wide collection of books on a range of the subjects from philosophy to canopies to parenting – showing that she leads an intellectual life.
- Nora is surprised by her reflection: she maintains good skincare products and looks healthier than in her previous life.
- Nora is happy and satisfied in this life with her good family, house, town, job, and appearance. She finds her life to be remarkably good, even calling it "excessive" and shares her contentment with their dog, Plato, who seems to agree.