Chapter 38
Contains spoilers
Summary
- Airline staff at Terminal 5 are on strike, causing long queues; Nisha is unfazed even as a child behind her is annoying with his suitcase.
- Aleks, her companion, is supportive and helps her with her bag; Nisha reflects on how different he is from Carl, her former partner.
- She wears a luxurious coat and acknowledges her own fondness for nice things, accepting personal change has limits.
- Nisha reminisces about the farewell dinner hosted by her friend Sam, celebrating a new job and enjoying the company of friends.
- Andrea, another friend, appears recovering and optimistic despite lacking a job or partner, while teenagers Grace and Cat interact awkwardly.
- Aleks is described as attentive, engaging with others at the dinner party, and later speaking affectionately to Nisha, who is moved by his words.
- Nisha is cautious about their relationship, noting they haven't discussed the future and alluding to a recent end to a long-term relationship.
- Jasmine, another friend, reluctantly says goodbye to Nisha, worried they may lose touch once Nisha's financial situation improves.
- At airport security, Aleks agrees to drop off some parcels for Nisha and they embrace meaningfully before parting ways.
- Nisha flies economy class to Westchester County, feeling uncomfortable after the packed and turbulent flight.
- She takes a taxi to an unspecified location, feeling energized despite the discomfort from the flight and the taxi journey.
- Upon seeing two figures at her destination, one of whom is her son, Nisha feels an overwhelming rush of emotion.
- Nisha and her son reunite with a powerful emotional display, joyously acknowledging what she has missed in a tearful embrace.