Little Secrets

Derek and Marin drive home from British Columbia. Derek touches Marin’s leg, and she feels grateful for the time away together. She doesn’t know why he’s investing in their marriage again, but he seems like the man she used to know. They talk about their relationship, agreeing that they would do it all again if given the choice. They start making dinner plans, and Marin remembers when she used to cook for Sebastian. Instead of feeling upset, “she feels […] okay” (221).

Derek goes out for groceries and Marin waters her orchid. Sebastian chose the orchid for her years ago. She remembers the day he and Derek brought it home. After Sebastian disappeared, the plant waned, and Derek threatened to throw it away. Marin insisted on keeping it and has been taking better care of it recently. She hopes that she and Derek are in a better place now, too.

Marin is surprised when Simon from the support group calls her. The group normally communicates through text. Simon informs her that the police found the body of Frances’s son, Thomas, in a crack house. Simon fills her in on the details, but Marin hangs up because she’s overcome by emotion.