Chapter 44

Summary

• Harry turns forty-five and desires a simple birthday celebration rather than a formal event.
• John, Celia and the narrator organise a surprise picnic in the park for him, with Luisa preparing the lunch, Celia making sangria and John purchasing an extra-large umbrella and novelty wigs and sunglasses for privacy.
• They lead Harry into the park with his child Connor riding on his back, and he's delighted when he realizes they've planned a "simple family picnic."
• They all laugh and enjoy the silly disguises, with each person detailing what they've contributed to the day's preparations.
• Harry asks the narrator, Evelyn, what her contribution was and she admits, jokingly, that she did nothing.
• The day ends with the family laughing and enjoying their time together, with the chapter ominously ending with Evelyn stating that she ruined their happiness afterwards.