Chapter Thirty-six

Summary

• Penny reminds the protagonist, Maddie, of her appointment with Angelina, indicating Maddie seems unwell.
• Maddie finds Angelina's appearance striking and starts the session by mentioning a yellow pantsuit and her habit of talking to herself.
• Angelina explores the reasons behind Maddie's self-talk and her introverted nature, suggesting Maddie might prefer her solitude because she wasn't given a choice.
• Maddie reflects on her family's disconnect, admitting she might belong to the second type of introvert.
• Angelina delves deeper into Maddie's reluctance to discuss personal matters with others and hints at Maddie's desire to avoid other people's reactions.
• Maddie's hesitation and anxious behavior during the session show she is struggling to deal with her feelings.
• Maddie experiences a surge of emotions as Angelina prompts her to reveal what she's avoiding discussing. Maddie admits she talks to herself to control her thoughts.
• Maddie abruptly suffers a panic attack triggered by her emotional overwhelm and faints.
• Dr. Rusher, a visiting company doctor, checks on Maddie after her panic attack and advises her to see a GP.
• Penny tells Maddie to take the rest of the day off and mentions Maddie's mom is coming to pick her up.
• Maddie's mom is quiet during their ride home and is uncharacteristically silent until they reach Maddie's flat.
• In the kitchen, Maddie's mother attempts to comfort her, but Maddie asserts she is not fine, alluding to her guilt and grief over her father's death.
• Maddie and her mother have a candid conversation revealing past hurts, misunderstandings, and her mother's history with Kwaku and an arranged marriage with Maddie's father.
• Her mother acknowledges her own failings, her struggles with her choices, and the complexities of her relationship with Maddie's father.
• Maddie gains new insight into her mother's life, realizing the parallels with her own experience of carrying family responsibilities.
• The chapter ends with Maddie's mother cooking for her and inquiring about the nickname "Maame," which Maddie associates with being forced into adulthood.
• Maddie's mother reflects on the term's endearment and the necessity of growing up quickly, while Maddie contemplates being needed for the wrong reasons.