Chapter 5: Family Values
Summary
- Elizabeth and her partner Calvin share a profound love, appreciated for its depth rather than superficial qualities like attractiveness or intellect.
- Their relationship enhances their scientific work and productivity as they continuously inspire each other.
- Calvin brings up Thanksgiving plans, leading to a conversation that allows them to finally discuss their family backgrounds.
- Elizabeth reveals her origins from Oregon, while Calvin shares that he is from Iowa and grew up without siblings due to his parents' and unborn sibling's death in a train accident, followed by his aunt’s death in a car accident.
- Calvin was raised in a Catholic boys home after the fatal accidents that claimed his family, describing his early upbringing as "Rough."
- Elizabeth's family history includes a father who was a manipulative religious figure and a brother who committed suicide influenced by their father's condemnation of his homosexuality.
- Elizabeth finds out about her brother's sexuality through her scientific observation and supports him contrary to the rest of her family's view.
- Calvin expresses disappointment at not being able to meet Elizabeth's family and have a traditional family connection through her.
- Elizabeth's father is in prison for an incident resulting from his fraudulent religious practices, and her mother has relocated to Brazil to avoid consequences.
- After her brother's death, Elizabeth was often left alone by her parents, leading to self-sufficiency from a young age.
- Their conversation reveals deep-seated trauma and resilience, with a focus on overcoming the past and remaining hopeful for the future.
- Though the topic is heavy, they opt to postpone further discussion and turn to rest, implying difficulty in processing their emotional wounds.