There Was a Girl

Summary

• The chapter follows Tova as she repeatedly finds herself thinking about a mysterious girl closely connected to Erik, her son, for some unknown reason.
• Despite Erik's popularity, he only dated a few girls in high school with whom the police had spoken when investigating Erik's activities. Girls like Ashley Barrington, Jenny-Lynn Mason, and Stephanie Lee had all been interrogated but couldn't provide any useful information.
• Tova is unsure what role this girl plays in her and Erik's life and struggles with the thought of her. She questions why Erik never mentioned this girl and why all the concept of her is resurfacing now.
• She also mulls over Adam Wright, a school friend of Erik's, but not a close one, whose details about the night in question don't seem reliable due to his drinking during the lunch where he revealed what he remembered.
• Simultaneously, Tova gets a phone call from her realtor, Jessica Snell, about an offer on the house she's selling for ten thousand above the asking price. Tova decides to counter the offer, setting into motion the sale of the house.
• Throughout the process, her thoughts continuously revert to the unknown girl, even while signing the paperwork for the house sale, preparing dinner, and driving to the aquarium.
• While cleaning the aquarium with Cameron, she tries to cheer him up by suggesting that his missing father will be delighted once he's found. Tova sees the octopus in the aquarium and has an idea to help distract Cameron.