Chapter Thirty-two

Summary

• Maddie and Alex are at a bowling alley on what appears to be their second date, and Maddie is doing well at the game.
• Alex asks about the barbecue that Maddie had previously used as an excuse, leading to a fabricated story about a family gathering.
• Conversation topics include their activities that day, with Alex sharing that he doesn't like spending daytime in a cinema and prefers physical activities.
• Maddie playfully teases Alex about his bowling skills but cheers him with mock enthusiasm.
• During a break, they discuss their jobs where Alex expresses his unfulfilled dreams and seeks genuine happiness over material success. Maddie relates to the sentiment by sharing her bad experiences with a theater job and being fired.
• Maddie internally struggles with the authenticity of what she shares with Alex, reflecting on how she's been inventing a happier version of herself than reality.
• When Alex inquires if Maddie was depressed during her tough times at the theater job, she is hesitant to use the term, downplaying her emotions by comparing them to others'.
• Alex reassures Maddie that her feelings are valid regardless of comparisons and encourages her to acknowledge the impact of her experiences on her mental health. He is curious about her parents' reactions to her situation.
• Maddie considers telling Alex the truth about her father's death but is conflicted over his possible reactions and opts to keep it to herself.
• Maddie self-diagnoses online, comparing symptoms of depression to her own feelings, but rationalizes that they are a result of her father's death and previous job dissatisfaction.
• Comments from others on the webpage about symptoms of depression suggest that the experiences and indicators of depression greatly vary among individuals. One commenter, Frances, stresses the importance of seeking professional help and not dismissing persistent symptoms as just passing "hard times."
• Maddie remains unsure about acknowledging her depression and seeking help, although she knows she should.