On the following morning, Nick (also known as Jonathan/Alistair) finally responded to Martha’s earlier outreach. In his message, Nick said he was coming home very soon, noted that his mother is in a care home and that he has some money, and apologized for everything he had put Martha through. He promised a fresh start, including seeing a GP to obtain an ADHD medication referral, and vowed to be a better person who could meet Martha’s needs. He ended the message by declaring his love.

After sending it, Nick acknowledged to himself that while he has loved before, his love has always been conditional and short-lived. He contrasted his past with his feelings for Martha, deciding she is the ideal partner for him—balanced in temperament and intellect, kind but not cold, and with a life he sees as uncomplicated. He also felt affection for her son, identifying with the feeling of not belonging to oneself.

Martha replied almost immediately, addressing him affectionately and saying that she and her household were waiting for him. She asked him to let her know when to expect his arrival, which filled Nick with joy and seemed to affirm his decision to return.