Chapter Thirty-four

Summary

• Maddie is anxiously waiting in the kitchen, agitated by thoughts and scenes in her mind.
• Her brother James enters first, asking why she's there after Mum told him about their encounter.
• When their mother arrives, Maddie sarcastically welcomes her and accuses her of committing adultery, expressing her rage.
• Maddie confronts her mother about her absence during their father's death because she was with another man.
• She criticizes her mother for giving life advice but failing to live up to the standards she sets for others.
• Angry, Maddie lashes out at James when he tries to agree with her criticisms of their mother, telling him he's useless and never prioritizes her.
• Feeling neglected and taken advantage of, Maddie expresses resentment for always having to take care of her family while receiving no care herself.
• Maddie commands her mother not to call her 'Maame', rejecting the nickname that implies her caretaker role.
• An intense confrontation leads to a silence among them and Maddie leaves, claiming her own identity as 'Maddie' instead of 'Maame'.
• Feeling liberated and defiant, Maddie returns to her flat, acts carelessly, orders takeaway, ignores calls from her family, and falls asleep on the sofa.
• Despite her initial feeling of relief, 'new Maddie' doesn't last, as she wakes up the next morning anxious and regretful about her actions and facing the consequences at work and with family.