Chapter 40
Contains spoilersOverview
Sarah Morgan drives her daughter Summer to school amid tense fallout from Sarah's separation from Bob Miller. Sarah arranges for Summer to stay with Aunt Anne for a few days to create distance and ensure safety. After an emotional exchange about the divorce and trust, Summer softens and they part on good terms. Immediately after, Bob calls, rages about Sarah’s newly filed protective order, and threatens her.
Summary
Sarah Morgan drives Summer to school on a sunny morning while managing Summer’s anger and snarky behavior. When Summer asks why her belongings were packed, Sarah explains that Summer will stay with Aunt Anne for a few days, partly to give Summer space and partly because Sarah fears Bob’s reaction to a protective order and worries he could try to take Summer.
Summer begs for her parents to stay together, but Sarah reiterates the divorce is final in her mind, pointing out the potential upsides like two holidays and two bedrooms. Summer rejects the idea and asks why Sarah refuses to be with Bob.
As they arrive at school, Sarah tells Summer she no longer trusts Bob and that the reasons are between the adults. She emphasizes that both parents love Summer and that her actions are aimed at protecting her. The conversation becomes tender; they hold hands, hug, exchange apologies, and affirm their love.
After Summer goes into school, Sarah’s phone rings. Bob Miller is on the line, furious that Sarah filed for a protective order. He calls her names, accuses her of being irrational, and issues a sinister threat, ending the call abruptly. Sarah’s precaution of sending Summer to Anne’s appears validated by Bob’s tone.
Who Appears
- Sarah Morgan
protagonist; drives Summer to school, arranges for Summer to stay with Aunt Anne, affirms loss of trust in Bob, and confirms seeking a protective order.
- Summer Morgan
Sarah and Bob’s daughter; initially angry about the divorce, seeks answers, then reconciles emotionally with Sarah before school.
- Bob Miller
Sarah’s estranged husband and person of interest; calls to rage about the protective order and threatens Sarah.
- Anne
Sarah’s sister (Aunt Anne); referenced as the caretaker with whom Summer will stay.