Chapter Twenty-two

Summary

• Maddie receives flowers and a card from Penny and the OTP team, expressing condolences for her father’s passing.
• She reflects on her relationship with Ben and how she feels schools should teach practical life skills, including recognizing when one is being manipulated in relationships.
• The next morning, Maddie receives many deliveries of flowers and treats but avoids the kitchen to not have to look at them.
• Maddie’s friends Shu and Nia come over to support her; Shu cleans up and Nia brings food and changes Maddie’s bedding.
• Shu expresses her initial distrust of Ben, never having met him but having seen his Facebook profile. She remarks on his unattractive features.
• Nia and Shu discuss the idea that Ben might be racist, even unconsciously, by contrasting how he treated Maddie with how he's treating Sophie, his new love interest who is white.
• Maddie struggles to accept that Ben might have valued her less than Sophie because of racial biases, as Nia explains the nuances of racism in relationships.
• Maddie admits she hated having sex with Ben but did it to feel loved and wanted. Nia and Shu discuss the real essence of love being trust, commitment, empathy, and respect.
• Shu jokes about using the book "The Alchemist" to set Ben’s house on fire, but Maddie dismisses the idea, understanding it’s a crime.
• Shu answers the door to find Ben outside, who asks to speak with Maddie. They move to the kitchen for a private conversation.
• Ben attempts to apologize to Maddie, but she confronts him with his unequal treatment compared to Sophie, implying that race played a role in it.
• Maddie finally asks Ben to leave, dismissing his apologies as insincere and reflecting on misconceptions about her personal history.
• After Ben leaves, Shu and Nia offer continued support and Nia agrees to stay another night with Maddie.
• Maddie has a panic attack thinking about her dentist appointment and the loss of her father, but she dismisses it as a one-time incident.
• The next day, Nia suggests they go for a bike ride, and despite initial reluctance, Maddie agrees and they enjoy the activity together.
• Maddie Googles panic attack symptoms and reads contrasting opinions on an online medical forum; some suggest it's no big deal, while another user had a serious health scare after similar symptoms.
• Maddie prays before going to sleep, asking God to not let her die and to consider the times she went to church.